Hemedti sworn in as leader of parallel Sudanese government

By Newsflash Repoter

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, has been sworn in as the head of a parallel Sudanese government, according to a statement released on Friday. Hemedti, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), now leads a self-declared administration that deepens Sudan’s path toward a possible partition.

The swearing-in reportedly took place in Nyala, one of Sudan’s largest cities located in the Darfur region, which has served as the RSF’s de facto capital. Reuters, however, was unable to independently verify his location, as Hemedti has rarely been seen in Sudan since the conflict with the national army erupted more than 28 months ago.

RSF Consolidates Power in Darfur

The RSF has announced the formation of a prime minister’s office and a presidential council headed by Hemedti, cementing its control in western Sudan. Nyala has increasingly become the hub of RSF governance, even as the city remains under constant threat from drone strikes.

Despite holding much of Darfur, the RSF continues to wage fierce battles against the Sudanese army for control of al-Fashir, the historic capital of the region. For more than 500 days, the city’s population has been under siege, with residents forced to survive on animal feed.

Mounting Civilian Suffering

The humanitarian toll continues to escalate. UNICEF reported earlier this week that over 1,000 children have been killed or maimed by airstrikes, artillery, and ground assaults. While the RSF claims civilians were given opportunities to leave conflict zones, reports indicate otherwise.

According to the Yale Humanitarian Lab, satellite images show that the RSF has constructed barriers to prevent civilians from escaping. Survivors who managed to flee recounted experiences of violent attacks and robberies carried out by RSF fighters.

Sudanese Army Establishes Rival Government

While the RSF consolidates its hold in Darfur, Sudan’s national army has reasserted control over central and eastern parts of the country. Earlier this week, it convened the first cabinet meeting of its new government, signaling its intent to challenge the RSF’s authority.

The Kordofan region, which lies between the RSF-controlled west and army-held east, remains a battlefield where villages continue to face raids and destruction.

World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing war between the RSF and the Sudanese army has left half of Sudan’s population facing hunger, shattered the economy, and created what international agencies describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

International mediation efforts, including statements from the U.S. government about ending the conflict, have yet to produce tangible progress. For now, Sudan remains divided, with rival administrations vying for control as millions of civilians bear the brunt of the war.