Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has been sentenced to death in absentia over the alleged killing of a former regional governor and war crimes in Sudan.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to reports from Sudan media houses, A Sudanese anti-terrorism court has sentenced Hemedti and 15 others for the crimes, including Hemedti's brother and RSF deputy leader Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo.

The sentence made on Sunday, July 12, is the first court verdict targeting the RSF leader since the war broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group in April 2023.

The court convicted the defendants on charges including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes against persons and property.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the ruling, Hemedti was responsible for planning and carrying out the crimes, while his deputy was convicted for allegedly planning and participating in the offences.

The sentence comes amid continued controversy over Hemedti's relationship with Kenya and President William Ruto, following a series of engagements that drew criticism from Sudan's military-led government.

In January 2024, President Ruto hosted Hemedti at State House, Nairobi, describing the meeting as part of Kenya's efforts to advance peace negotiations under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

However, the meeting sparked diplomatic tensions, with Sudan's army-backed government accusing Kenya of legitimising the RSF and questioning Nairobi's neutrality in the conflict. Khartoum later recalled its ambassador from Kenya in protest.

The controversy deepened in February 2025 after RSF-linked figures convened in Nairobi to announce plans for a parallel administration in Sudan.

The move prompted fresh condemnation from Khartoum, which accused Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke