SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Financial Times – Sudan paramilitary leader Hemeti closes in on power

20/6/19: Financial Times – Sudan paramilitary leader Hemeti closes in on power, by Tom Wilson

 Tom Wilson’s feature piece examines the implications of Himedti’s emergence as Sudan’s “de-facto” leader, although his TMC colleague Salah Abdelkhalig said that Himedti is not the strongman in Khartoum, with “other forces…stronger than him.”

 Abdelkhalig “betrayed anxiety over the [Himedti’s] ambition,” when arguing that Himedti is only perceived to be in charge “because he is talking too much in the media,” and “his troops are very visible.” Abdelkhalig added that Himedti “cannot do it” as a political commander.

 Darfuri politician Rudwan Daoud attributes Himedti’s positive image in Darfur to Saudi salaries for the RSF trickling down to Darfuri households, adding that Himedti’s power (unprecedented for Darfuris since Sudan’s independence) inspires Darfuris.  

 Former Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour argues that Himedti’s outsider status as a Darfuri is a political advantage, as some see the protests as a Khartoum-based elitist movement, whereas Himedti can build support from groups across the country.