The conflict in Sudan has escalated due to disagreements between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over integration into national armed forces, primarily centered on General Hemedti’s rise to power amid regional tensions. Originating from marginal backgrounds, Hemedti has leveraged military and economic strategies to establish RSF dominance, marking a substantial transformation in Sudan’s political realm and exacerbating historical divides.
In recent months, armed confrontations have erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, following growing tensions between the military and the influential paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This discord is rooted in a disagreement regarding the integration of the RSF into the national armed forces—an essential stipulation of a transition agreement that has remained unsigned despite compliance from both parties since 2021. Leading the RSF is General Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, commonly referred to as Hemedti, who has played a crucial role in the escalating civil unrest, as he has during pivotal moments in Sudan’s contemporary history. The RSF, comprised predominantly of Darfurian Arabs known as Janjaweed, originated from regions situated on Sudan’s periphery. Within a span of merely ten years, Hemedti’s forces have ascended to significant power in Khartoum, showcasing an alarming shift of the violent political dynamics that have historically plagued Sudan. Hemedti, an individual with humble beginnings—he is primarily a school dropout turned trader—has parlayed his leadership of the Janjaweed brigade into considerable military and political capital. His rise began during the harsh conflicts of 2003-05, ultimately leading to his incorporation into the Sudanese government’s ranks where he garnered favor with then-President Omar al-Bashir, further legitimizing his operations and affording him military promotions and financial compensation. Back with a notable standing, Hemedti effectively capitalized on both his military prowess and business acumen to enhance the power of the RSF, allowing it to overshadow the diminishing strength of the Sudanese state. The RSF, established formally as a distinct unit in 2013, initially engaged in conflicts primarily in Darfur and subsequently leveraged international military engagements, such as Sudan’s involvement in the Yemen conflict, to amass significant financial wealth and resources. An essential turning point in Hemedti’s influence was the acquisition of control over the artisanal gold mines in Jebel Amer, Darfur, positioning him to benefit substantially from Sudan’s most lucrative export commodities. Hemedti’s operations echo a model of mercenarism reminiscent of regional leaders who have historically contracted military services for financial gain. While the traditional Sudanese military has transitioned into a mere facade, charitable for its possessions yet lacking operational effectiveness, Hemedti’s paramilitary forces have emerged as the primary combatants in ongoing conflicts. A historical perspective reveals that Sudan’s past rulers have predominantly hailed from the heartlands along the Nile, contributing to a pervasive fear among the riverain elites that their supremacy could be challenged by an outsider like Hemedti. As a representative of the marginalized Darfurian Arabs, Hemedti embodies a complex paradox where the very fabric of Sudan’s socio-political landscape is unraveled, revealing layers of historical grievances against Khartoum’s ruling class. In summary, the tensions in Sudan arise from a confluence of profound socio-political fissures intertwined with the personal ascendancy of General Hemedti and the operational maneuvers of the RSF, which reflect the broader struggles within this historically conflicted nation and its marginal populations.
The conflict in Sudan has deep roots in both historical and socio-political grievances, largely framed by the relationship between the center (Khartoum) and the peripheries (regions like Darfur). The RSF’s current role and Hemedti’s leadership signify a paradigm shift where the long-standing power dynamics within Sudan face precarious disruptions, particularly amid attempts for a political transition following decades of coercive rule. With paramilitary forces now challenging traditional military hierarchies, Sudan stands at a crucial political crossroads that echoes the profound historical legacies of marginalization and conflict.
The current strife in Sudan, fueled by the discord between the military and the RSF, underscores the longstanding grievances stemming from marginalization and the political maneuverings of figures like General Hemedti. As the balance of power shifts and the legacy of violence looms large, Sudan’s future hinges on addressing these ingrained disparities while navigating a precarious political landscape.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
