Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, has been sentenced to death in absentia by a Sudanese anti-terrorism court over allegations linked to war crimes and the killing of a former regional governor.
The ruling marks a major development in Sudan’s ongoing conflict and is the first court verdict against the RSF leader since fighting erupted in April 2023.Reports from Sudanese media indicate that Hemedti was sentenced alongside 15 other individuals.
Among those convicted is his brother and deputy within the RSF, Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo.
The court found the accused guilty of several serious offences, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes against persons and property.
According to the ruling, Hemedti was held responsible for planning and directing the crimes. His deputy was also found guilty of helping to plan and participate in the alleged offences.
The verdict comes as Sudan continues to face one of its worst humanitarian and security crises in recent history, with fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF causing widespread displacement and destruction across the country.
The court’s decision is likely to attract significant attention beyond Sudan’s borders, particularly because of Hemedti’s past engagements with regional leaders.
In Kenya, his relationship with President William Ruto and the Kenyan government has been a subject of debate since the conflict began.
In January 2024, President Ruto hosted Hemedti at State House in Nairobi.
The Kenyan government said the meeting was part of efforts under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to promote dialogue and help find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Sudan.
However, the visit drew criticism from Sudan’s military-backed government, which accused Kenya of giving legitimacy to the RSF.
The disagreement strained relations between the two countries, leading Sudan to recall its ambassador from Nairobi.
Tensions increased further in February 2025 when individuals linked to the RSF met in Nairobi and announced plans to establish a parallel administration in Sudan.
The move triggered fresh criticism from Khartoum, which accused Kenya of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs.
Additional allegations have also emerged, including claims that RSF leaders received Kenyan passports and that Kenya supported the group in other ways. Kenyan authorities have repeatedly denied those accusations.
President Ruto has maintained that Kenya remains neutral and is only focused on supporting peace efforts and encouraging dialogue among all parties involved in the Sudan conflict.
