Port Sudan Court Delivers Death Sentence to RSF Commander Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sudan s paramilitary RSF chief sentenced – A judicial panel in Port Sudan has handed down a capital punishment verdict against Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the prominent commander of the Rapid Support Forces, for his alleged role in severe violations of international law. The court determined that Dagalo, widely recognized by his nickname Hemedti, bears responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide connected to brutal incidents that unfolded across the West Darfur territory. This landmark decision represents the initial formal legal condemnation of the paramilitary group’s top echelon since hostilities erupted in the region.

Comprehensive Charges and Additional Convictions

The judicial proceedings encompassed not only Dagalo but also fifteen other high-ranking officials within the RSF hierarchy, all of whom received identical penalties. The prosecution’s case focused heavily on documented atrocities occurring in el-Geneina, the administrative center of West Darfur. Among the most significant incidents cited was the fatal shooting of state governor Khamis Abbakar during June 2023. The court’s findings detailed a pattern of systematic violence, including coordinated assaults on civilian populations, extensive property damage, organized plundering, and deliberate targeting of educational institutions, religious sites, and residential districts.

Several family members of the RSF leader faced conviction alongside him. Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, who serves as Hemedti’s deputy and is also his brother, received the death sentence. Another sibling, Al-Qoni Hamdan Dagalo, was similarly penalized. Additionally, Abdul Rahman Juma Barkallah, the paramilitary force’s commander responsible for West Darfur operations, was included in the roster of condemned individuals.

Political Response and Legal Measures

The Sudan Founding Alliance, a political coalition incorporating the RSF, issued a statement dismissing the proceedings as a “sham trial” that warranted no serious consideration. Special Judge Mohamed Al-Amin, who presided over the case, implemented additional measures beyond the death sentences. He mandated the seizure of all assets belonging to the Rapid Support Forces and directed relevant authorities to pursue Interpol Red Notices to facilitate the arrest and potential extradition of the convicted parties.

“sham trial” that “does not even deserve a comment”

The verdict’s practical significance remains uncertain given that the RSF maintains control over substantial territories in western Sudan, and many of its leadership figures continue to operate beyond the reach of army jurisdiction. Hemedti’s current location has not been publicly disclosed.

International Scrutiny and Humanitarian Crisis

Global monitoring bodies have consistently raised concerns regarding the conduct of the RSF and its allied Arab militias. UN investigators and various human rights organizations have documented ethnically motivated violence directed primarily at the Masalit community throughout Darfur. Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court’s deputy chief prosecutor announced the existence of “concrete evidence” establishing connections between RSF commanders and war crimes.

A comprehensive report published by Human Rights Watch in May 2024 examined the period spanning April through November 2023 in and around el-Geneina. The findings indicated that thousands perished while hundreds of thousands were compelled to abandon their homes. The organization characterized these violations as constituting both war crimes and crimes against humanity, occurring within the framework of an ethnic cleansing campaign targeting the Masalit and other non-Arab populations.

Both warring factions have faced accusations of human rights violations. United Nations investigators identified last year that the Sudanese army and the RSF had systematically targeted civilians and critical infrastructure, including medical facilities, during large-scale military operations.

Background and Ongoing Impact

The current conflict originated in April 2023 following an intense power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese army, and Hemedti. The devastating war has claimed more than 150,000 lives and displaced approximately 12 million residents from their homes. Humanitarian organizations estimate that around 28 million individuals currently experience acute food insecurity as a direct consequence of the prolonged violence.

While this judicial ruling marks a significant milestone in holding paramilitary leadership accountable, the path toward lasting justice and peace remains complex. The continued presence of RSF forces in western regions, combined with the ongoing humanitarian emergency, suggests that the full implications of this verdict will unfold over an extended period as international mechanisms work to enforce the court’s decisions and address the suffering of affected populations.