RSF’s Hemetti relieves his political adviser
July 10, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti,” on Wednesday decided to terminate Youssif Ibrahim Ezzat’s assignment as his political advisor effective 10 July.
According to a statement issued by the RSF’s official spokesperson, Hemedti directed the relevant authorities to take the necessary measures to implement the decision, “which comes within the framework of routine internal arrangements.”
Analysts suggest the decision to dismiss Ezzat stems from his comments on the Islamic Movement’s exclusion from last week’s Cairo conference of political forces, a move he deemed unjustified.
He further elaborated, “I believe the Cairo conference outcomes signal a potential path towards a political process involving all stakeholders. This process could lead to a comprehensive agreement among Sudanese people, addressing the crisis and its underlying causes. It would also establish solutions for state-building, governance structures, citizenship rights, and the resolution of all pertinent issues.”
Ezzat served as a political advisor to the former deputy chairman of the Sovereign Council, Hemetti, since 2021. He became the primary spokesperson for the paramilitary forces following the outbreak of war with the Sudanese army in April 2023.
In April, the RSF organized a workshop in Uganda to restructure its civilian and political work. During the workshop, it was decided that Abdel Rahim Daglo, the RSF’s second-in-command, would take over the management of the RSF’s Civilian Coordination Council.
Following his dismissal, Youssef Ezzat released a statement on X explaining that he had proactively requested Hemetti to relieve him of his duties due to internal restructuring within the RSF that transferred his responsibilities to the second-in-command, Abdel Rahim Dagalo.
Ezzat emphasized, “As a civilian operating outside the military framework of the RSF, and for other reasons I will elaborate on in the future, I sought my own dismissal. My role was rooted in a deep personal bond, predating family ties, that has connected me with Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (Hemetti) since childhood.”
He affirmed his commitment to continue providing political counsel and collaborating with youth and revolutionary groups dedicated to transformative change, upholding the principles of justice and a democratic civilian transition for Sudan.
Ezzat is recognized for his influence in shaping Hemetti’s political ideology, notably in championing the Marginalized People’s Revolution concept against the central authority and other slogans advocated by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Prior to his involvement with the RSF, Ezzat was active in armed movements in Darfur opposing the Bashir government in 2003. He was among a minority of young Darfuris of Arab descent who joined the Sudan Liberation Movement under Abdel Wahid al-Nur before the faction led by Minni Minnawi broke away.
Subsequently, Ezzat co-founded the United Revolutionary Force Front, serving as its political secretary. He also participated in the Doha peace talks on Darfur as part of the Liberation and Justice Movement, eventually parting ways with its leader, Tijani Sissi, due to disagreements.
During his student days at Neelain University in Khartoum, Ezzat passionately championed democratic ideals in student forums. He eventually emigrated to Canada, where he now resides as a citizen.