What's happened
The Port Sudan court has convicted RSF leader Daglo (Hemedti) and 15 other senior RSF figures of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in absentia. The ruling also targets RSF assets and seeks Interpol notices for arrest. The case centers on the June 2023 killings in El Geneina and related atrocities against the Masalit community. The verdict marks the first conviction of RSF leadership since the conflict began in 2023.
What's behind the headline?
Context and implications
- The conviction in absentia of Hemedti and senior RSF figures underscores international and domestic efforts to hold leaders accountable for war crimes in Darfur.
- The ruling aligns with a broader push by international bodies (ICC) and local courts to document and pursue accountability amid ongoing fighting in Darfur and other fronts.
- Asset confiscation and Interpol notices indicate a move toward freezing and pursuing leaders despite limited access to them on the ground.
Questions raised
- Will Sudanese and international authorities secure arrests or extraditions for the convicted individuals?
- How will this affect the RSF's leverage in Darfur and across Sudan?
- What is the potential impact on humanitarian access and ceasefire prospects?
How we got here
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF since 2023 has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands. The case in Port Sudan focuses on the massacre in El Geneina, Darfur, including the 2023 killing of West Darfur governor Khamis Abbakar. The RSF has denied genocide accusations. The court’s decision comes amid ongoing international involvement, including ICC investigations into Darfur.
Our analysis
All Africa reports the Port Sudan ruling and lists the defendants and charges; BBC Business provides details on the conviction and the broader context, including RSF denial of war crimes; Al Jazeera offers a comprehensive narrative of the Darfur context, the El Geneina violence, and Hemedti’s leadership role; The New Arab frames the ruling within the wider Darfur war crimes context and the DNHR response.
Go deeper
- What comes next for Interpol notices and extraditions?
- How are aid groups adjusting to potential shifts in control around Darfur?
- Will there be further domestic or international prosecutions connected to El Geneina?
More on these topics
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United Nations - Intergovernmental organization
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Port Sudan - City in Sudan
Port Sudan is a port city in eastern Sudan, and the capital of the state of Red Sea. As of 2007, it has 489,725 residents. Located on the Red Sea, it is Sudan's main seaport.
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Darfur
Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.
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Sudan - Country in North Africa
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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Abdel Fattah al-Burhan - Chairman of the Transitional Military Council
Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and Sudanese Army general who is currently serving as Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, the country's collective transitional head of state.
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International Criminal Court - Intergovernmental organization
The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Interpol - Bureau
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as INTERPOL, is an international organisation that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.
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West Darfur - State of Sudan
West Darfur State (Arabic: ولاية غرب دارفور Wilāyat Ḡarb Dārfūr), historically Dar Masalit (Arabic: دار مساليت), is one of the states of Sudan, and one of five comprising the Darfur region. Prior to the creation of two new states in January 2012, it had an area of 79,460 km² and an estimated population of approximately 1,775,945 in 2018. It borders North and Central Darfur to the east. The Chadian prefectures of Biltine and Ouaddaï lie to the west, while to the north is the prefecture of Bourkou-Ennedi-Tibesti. Al-Junaynah is the capital of the state. West Darfur has been the site of much of the Darfur conflict. During the 2023 Sudan conflict, ethnic violence has been rampant across the region. This has included several Masalit massacres.