Sudan war: Rapid Support Forces explained

Key Concepts

• Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• Januid
• Omar al-Bashir
• Abdul Fata al-Burhan
• Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti)
• Darur
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Yemen conflict
• Genocide
• Systemic atrocities

Origins and Evolution of the RSF

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) originated in 2003 as the Januid, a tribal militia in Darur. This militia was backed by then-President Omar al-Bashir to suppress a rebellion. The Januid were notorious for their brutal tactics, including rape, mass killings, and targeted displacement, which resulted in approximately 300,000 deaths. Sudan's army chief, Abdul Fata al-Burhan, played a significant role in training the Januid and worked alongside Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, who later emerged as the prominent leader of the group after its rebranding to the RSF.

Consolidation of Power and External Engagements

To ensure loyalty and his own security, President Bashir granted Hemeti control over most of Darur's gold mines. In return, the RSF was deployed to combat anti-government movements and patrol borders. They also participated in external conflicts, fighting alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE against the Houthis in Yemen.

The 2019 Coup and the Collapse of the Transition

In 2019, the allegiance shifted. The RSF joined a coup that ended President Bashir's 30-year rule, following months of protests and promises of a transition to civilian governance. However, in 2023, plans to integrate the RSF and the army failed, triggering a civil war between Burhan and Hemeti.

Accusations of Systemic Atrocities

During the civil war, which has lasted over two years, the RSF has been accused of committing systemic atrocities that echo the crimes perpetrated in Darur 20 years prior. These documented actions include torturing communities, humiliating civilians, imposing forced starvation, and engaging in mass killings and widespread rape of women and girls.

External Powers and the UAE's Involvement

External actors are exacerbating the crisis. The Sudanese army has consistently accused the UAE of supporting the RSF. Rights groups and the United Nations have presented evidence of the UAE covertly supplying weapons to the RSF, allegedly to protect its economic interests in Sudan, particularly its position as the largest importer of Sudanese gold, a resource largely controlled by the RSF. The UAE has vehemently denied these allegations. A report funded by the State Department concluded with "near certainty" that the UAE was facilitating weapons to the RSF through an airport in Chad.

Conclusion: A Continuation of Genocide

As the atrocities in Sudan continue to unfold, many critics argue that it is increasingly evident that the RSF is perpetuating the genocide it initiated 20 years ago.