Sudan’s RSF Leader Hemedti Urges Change in Army Leadership

The leader of Sudanese paramilitary forces, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has called for a change in army leadership following the outbreak of fighting in the country. This comes as the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) compete for power during a planned transition to civilian rule. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 3 million people and has plunged Sudan into a severe humanitarian crisis, which is considered one of the worst in the world.

Local volunteers and a Reuters tally have reported that at least 580 civilians have been killed in the capital city of Khartoum alone.

In a video posted on the paramilitary group’s Facebook page, Hemedti can be seen surrounded by cheering RSF members as he apologizes to the Sudanese people for the impact of the ongoing conflict. He calls on the armed forces to change their leadership, promising a swift resolution and an agreement within 72 hours.

Hemedti also brings attention to Ahmed Haroun, a former official under the regime of former President Omar Al Bashir, who escaped from prison in late April. According to Hemedti, Haroun is leading the security committee in eastern parts of the country where the army is in control. Hemedti has previously accused the army of taking orders from loyalists of the autocrat, who ruled Sudan for nearly three decades.

The situation in Sudan remains tense and uncertain, with national and international efforts focused on resolving the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis. Reporting for this article was provided by Khalid Adel Aziz in Dubai and Nafisa Eltahir and Adam Makary in Cairo, with editing by Leslie Adler.