RSF Darfur security advisor killed in drone strike near Zalingei

January 1, 2026 (ZALINGEI) – The security advisor to the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region was killed on Thursday in a drone strike near Zalingei, Central Darfur, alongside several companions.

Hamid Ali Abubakar, who also served as the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Awakening Council (RAC) forces loyal to the RSF, was attending a meeting in Damrat al-Firdous when the strike occurred, local sources told Sudan Tribune.

The meeting reportedly included RSF military officers and senior leaders from the pro-RSF faction of the RAC, including Major General Ramadan Salem.

Abubakar, a member of the Mahameed tribe, held a position of significant influence within the RSF and served as a key security advisor to the paramilitary group’s commander, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

However, his role was controversial within his own community. Members of the Mahameed tribe had previously accused him of attempting to dismantle the influence of tribal leader Musa Hilal by using financial incentives to recruit youth into the RSF. He was also accused of plotting a military offensive against Hilal’s headquarters in Mistariha, North Darfur.

On Dec. 30, Habib Musa Hilal accused Abubakar of fueling internal tribal divisions at the behest of the RSF leadership. Speaking to RSF defectors who had recently joined the RAC, Hilal alleged that Abubakar’s mobilization efforts had led to the deaths and serious injury of many Mahameed youth in active combat zones.

Hilal further claimed that the Mahameed tribe is being targeted explicitly by the RSF due to tribal affiliations and stated that the group is prepared to respond to any military developments if Mistariha is attacked.