Sudan sentences RSF chief Hemedti to death: Who’s he, what’s he accused of?

A Sudanese court in Port Sudan has sentenced Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and 15 other senior RSF figures to death for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The convictions stem from atrocities committed in West Darfur, particularly against non-Arab communities. Hemedti was tried in absentia, and his current whereabouts are unknown. The Sudan Founding Alliance reportedly rejected the ruling. The conflict began in April 2023 as a power struggle between Hemedti and army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, escalating into a civil war with widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. Hemedti previously led the Janjaweed militias and later the RSF, becoming a prominent figure after the 2019 overthrow of Omar al-Bashir.

A Sudanese court in Port Sudan has sentenced Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to death in absentia for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The conviction stems from atrocities committed in the West Darfur region, including the June 2023 killing of the state governor. Fifteen other senior RSF members, including Dagalo's brothers and the West Darfur commander, received the same sentence. The court also found the defendants guilty of orchestrating attacks on civilians, widespread destruction, looting, and targeting civilian infrastructure. The ruling marks the first judicial conviction of RSF leadership since the civil war began, though its practical impact is uncertain as the RSF continues to control significant territory.

A Syrian rights commission is preparing a war crimes case against Fadi Saqr, a former militia leader within the Assad regime, for alleged involvement in crimes against humanity and war crimes. Saqr is accused of mass killings and forced disappearances in Damascus, particularly in the Tadamon neighborhood. This development follows the recent arrest of Amjad Youssef, another key perpetrator in the Tadamon massacres, whose actions were documented in leaked videos. The commission, an independent body appointed by the Syrian government, is working with victims and organizations to build the case, which will be referred to the Syrian judiciary. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards transitional justice in Syria after years of conflict.