Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as Hemedti, has been sentenced to death in absentia over allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and the killing of a former regional governor.
Reports from Sudanese media indicate that an anti-terrorism court convicted Hemedti and 15 other individuals, including his brother and RSF deputy commander Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo.
The ruling, delivered on Sunday, July 12, marks the first major court verdict targeting the RSF leader since the conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary group erupted in April 2023.
The court found the accused guilty of offences including war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and crimes against persons and property.
According to the judgment, Hemedti was accused of planning and executing the crimes, while his deputy was convicted for allegedly participating in their organisation and implementation.
The verdict comes amid continued scrutiny over Hemedti’s interactions with Kenya and President William Ruto following a series of diplomatic engagements that triggered criticism from Sudan’s military-backed authorities.
In January 2024, President Ruto hosted Hemedti at State House in Nairobi, saying the meeting was part of efforts under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to support peace talks in Sudan.
The meeting, however, caused diplomatic friction, with Sudan’s army-backed government accusing Kenya of giving legitimacy to the RSF and questioning Nairobi’s neutrality. Khartoum later recalled its ambassador to Kenya in protest.
Tensions increased further in February 2025 after RSF-linked representatives met in Nairobi to announce plans for a parallel administration in Sudan. Sudan’s government condemned the move, accusing Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs.
There have also been allegations that RSF figures received Kenyan passports to ease their international movement despite sanctions imposed by global bodies, including the United Nations. Kenya has additionally faced accusations of supporting the RSF through weapons supplies and providing protection for its leaders.
Nairobi has repeatedly denied backing either side in the Sudan conflict, maintaining that its engagement with Sudanese actors is aimed at promoting dialogue, mediation and a peaceful settlement.
President Ruto has defended Kenya’s position, insisting that the country remains committed to regional peace efforts and has not taken sides in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.