Hemetti admits violations by RSF elements, announces field courts
June 26, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” acknowledged on Monday that his forces had committed violations against civilians and revealed the establishment of field courts to address these offences.
In an audio message shared on social media to mark the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Hemetti declared a two-day unilateral truce. He expressed concern over reports of human rights violations and thefts perpetrated by his troops against civilians and their properties.
“These (abuses) violate the RSF law and the directives of its senior leadership, and we will address them firmly and seriously,” he stated.
Since the outbreak of the conflict on April 15, RSF elements have been engaged in widespread looting in Khartoum, targeting stores, civilian residences, and even foreign embassies. Numerous videos depicting these crimes have been circulated. Additionally, cases of rape against women have been reported.
Nevertheless, before Monday’s statement, the paramilitary forces leaders turned a blind eye to these abuses.
Hemetti announced the formation of a court led by Major General Essam Fidail to combat these crimes. He stated that the court has already commenced its work in Omdurman and has already tried several individuals involved in violations.
Referring to the recent demonstrations held in various Khartoum neighbourhoods against the RSF’s presence in residential areas and the crimes committed by its members, Hemetti said that the military had exploited these violations to incite the public against them and accused the army of being behind these protests.
He further termed the calls for demonstrations against the RSF as a “malicious conspiracy” to drag civilians into war.
Hemetti also declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities on Tuesday and Wednesday, “except in cases of self-defence.”
Following the outbreak of violence in Khartoum, military aviation conducted airstrikes on RSF camps in the city. However, instead of withdrawing from the capital, the paramilitary forces occupied civilian homes, transforming residential areas into battlefields.
Exploiting the absence of civilians from their houses, the RSF looted the residences and utilized abandoned vehicles to transport the “spoils of war” to western Sudan.
Regarding the situation in Darfur, the RSF commander called upon Darfurians to remain vigilant against what he referred to as “plans to ignite a civil war” and repeat the humanitarian tragedies of the past.
“We affirm that we are in constant contact with armed struggle movements, traditional leaders, and civil society in the region to ensure stability and security,” he remarked.
(ST)