Today’s SOFREP Pic of the Day features a young Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighter posing with a SCAR rifle. Please take a close look at this photograph and let me know in the comments what is wrong with it.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Sudan’s Controversial Paramilitary Power

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan, derived initially from the notorious Janjaweed militias, have evolved into a formidable paramilitary group with deep ties to the nation’s political and military fabric. Under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” the RSF has played pivotal roles in Sudan’s internal security and international operations. However, their origins in the Darfur conflict, where they were accused of atrocities, continue to haunt their reputation.

Origins and Evolution

The RSF was formally established in 2013, though its roots trace back to the Janjaweed militias involved in the Darfur conflict. The Janjaweed were accused of war crimes and human rights abuses during the conflict, where the Sudanese government used them to suppress insurgencies. The Sudanese government integrated them into the national military framework to legitimize and control these militias, thus forming the RSF. Over time, the RSF grew in power, both militarily and politically, becoming a key player in Sudan’s security landscape.

Role in Sudan’s Political Landscape

The RSF’s influence surged during the 2019 Sudanese revolution that led to the ousting of longtime president Omar al-Bashir. Hemedti and his forces positioned themselves as protectors of the revolution, but violent crackdowns on protesters also marred their involvement. The RSF’s power has only expanded since, with Hemedti serving as the deputy leader of the Sovereignty Council, the transitional government body that took power after al-Bashir’s fall.

Controversies and Accusations

Despite their official status, the RSF has faced widespread accusations of human rights abuses, both in Sudan and in their international operations, including in Yemen, where they have been deployed as part of the Saudi-led coalition. Reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of violence have continued to tarnish the RSF’s image. The group’s role in suppressing protests during the 2019 revolution, where hundreds were killed and injured, has also led to international condemnation.

SUDAN