SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Foreign Policy - The Man Who Terrorized Darfur Is Leading Sudan's Supposed Transition

15/5/19: Foreign Policy – The Man Who Terrorized Darfur Is Leading Sudan’s Supposed Transition , by Jerome Tubiana

 Researcher Jerome Tubiana profiles the rise of TMC interim vice president Himedti, who is argued to be the true power in Sudan’s ruling military council.

 Tubiana states that Himedti is the “the main legacy of Bashir’s 30-year rule,” arguing the empowerment of the Janjaweed under Himedti’s leadership created [an uncontrollable] monster”

 Tubiana attributes Himedti’s rise to official government positions to blackmail and threats of rebellion, before noting that Himedti was picked to lead the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after he was one of the few Janjaweed leaders to remain loyal to Al Bashir.

 Tubiana highlights the RSF’s emergence as a “third pole of power within Sudan’s security apparatus, rival to both army and intelligence,” as well as outlining Himedti’s role in removing both Omar Al Bashir and Awad Ibn Auf from power.

 Tubiana concludes by stating that “flooring the monster may require more than unarmed protesters.”