Security Briefing: Are the Rapid Support Forces the "protectors of the revolution"?

Introduction

The end of 2019 heralded a series of public relations victories for the Rapid Support Forces and their commander Himedti, suggesting that Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson is succeeding in its promise to generate positive media coverage for the RSF.

Himedti has emphasised his support for the civilian government, and has earned praise from powerful figures in Khartoum. However, recent events in Darfur – the El-Geneina massacre - have re-enforced perceptions of the RSF as a brutal force guilty of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

1) Positive publicity

In an interview with the Independent (17 December) Himedti:

  • Called for a partnership with the UK

  • Said his priority is the success of the civilian government rather than ruling

  • Denied allegations that the RSF was being used to pursue his interests in gold mining.

In a move that was seen as a mark of Himedti’s support for Hamdok’s civilian government, it was also reported that Himedti began to handover the lucrative mining areas in North Darfur’s Jebel Amer to the Sudanese government. (Radio Dabanga, 16 December).

Himedti also labelled the RSF the “guardians of Darfur” and “protectors of the revolution.” Following his usual narrative on the June 3 Khartoum massacre, he also claimed that the violence perpetrated by “an invisible group disguising itself as RSF militiamen”. (Radio Dabanga, 19 December).

Himedti’s revolutionary credentials have also been supported by influential figures in Sudanese politics. The leader of the National Umma Party, Sadiq al-Mahdi, called for the end of hostile statements against Himedti and said his support for the revolution was sufficient in accepting him in the nation-building process. (Sudan Tribune, 15 December). Sudan’s official leader and the commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces,  Abdelfattah El Burhan, said that the RSF are an integral part of the Sudanese army. El Burhan labelled the RSF “messengers of peace and love…who can protect the revolution and fight terrorism and illegal immigration.” (Radio Dabanga, 23 December)

2) Ongoing fears

Fears remain about the RSF’s financial and military power as a factor in Sudanese instability, particularly in connection with continued allegations of ethnic cleansing. Such fears create uncertainty with regards to the RSF’s democratic commitment, given Himedti’s claim that his troops are the “guardians of Darfur” and the “protectors of the revolution”.

A measure of RSF financial power is reflected in the financial opportunities they provide in poverty-ridden Darfur, particularly with regards to the war in Yemen.  (Independent, 22 December).  While Sudanese minimum wage is $190 a month, RSF soldiers can earn £17,000 for six-months in Yemen, with officers making double.

However, the RSF is said to prefer enlisting Arab tribes, fuelling tensions in Darfur. Internally displaced persons told the Independent that the RSF are returning from Yemen “better equipped, trained and financed, ready to kill our people.” Malaria and dengue fever outbreaks in North Darfur have also been attributed to RSF soldiers returning from Yemen.

The RSF’s alleged presence in Libya also poses concerns for Sudanese democratic development. Canada’s Globe and Mail (December 15) reported that the UN is investigating Dickens & Madson, amid allegations that it has played a “direct role” in the illegal deployment of about 1,000 troops to Libya, in breach of UN sanctions. Indeed, the Guardian’s report (December 23) on Sudanese mercenaries in Libya quoted mercenaries to say that they were in Libya to have a secure base, weapons and other military logistics, before planning to return to Sudan to fight the government.

3) El Geneina massacre

At the end of 2019, the RSF deputy commander in West Darfur, Mousa Ambelo, was accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing after a massacre was carried out in Kerending camp for internally displaced people in El Geneina, West Darfur. (31 December).

According to El Geneina Crisis Committee, the massacre – which killed more than 80, injured at least 190 and affected 80,00 - was carried out by the RSF, with the knowledge of West Darfur local authorities (Radio Dabanga, 3 January).

While the massacre has been reported as tribal clashes between Arab Maaliya herders and Masalit tribesmen in the western media, the El Geneina Crisis committee labelled the attacks “systematic crimes in an orchestrated operation intended to reproduce the [Darfur] genocide.”

For more about the reactions to El Geneina massacre, read our briefing here: https://www.sudaninthenews.com/sudan-peace-and-security-briefings/security-briefing-el-geneina-massacre

4) Solutions

For Sudanese democracy to succeed, John Hursh, a former Policy Analyst for the Enough Project, calls for Sudan’s removal from the US state sponsor of terrorism (SST) list. In doing so, Hursh argues that the civilian government would have the finances available to outmanoeuvre Himedti by winning popular support and stabilising the economy. (Just Security, 19 December)