The Truth Perspective: Hemedti: The Fall of a Team That Disrespected “The Mother of Cadets”!
Ibrahim Shglawi
The U.S. sanctions imposed on Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” come at a pivotal moment in Sudan’s war, introducing new political and security dimensions that extend beyond Sudan’s borders to impact regional and international balances. These sanctions, which describe the militia as having committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, include freezing the assets of seven companies linked to the militia and imposing restrictions on its leadership. This reflects a significant shift in the U.S. stance on the war, rendering the militia an untrustworthy actor and revealing a broader strategy aimed at managing the war under the principle of “resetting the proxies.”
In this article, we aim to deconstruct this scene through both international and regional lenses and examine its impact on the Sudanese reality. These sanctions redefine the roles within the war, which erupted in April 2023. Before delving deeper, it is essential to explain the term “The Mother of Cadets.” This expression is used by military personnel to honor the Sudanese Military Academy, established in 1905, whose graduates are renowned for their high competence and exceptional expertise.
Hemedti’s ambitions quickly dissipated, transforming from a power-hungry contender aiming to rule Sudan without merit to an internationally pursued figure. Since his emergence in Sudanese political and military life, Hemedti has sought to establish himself as a primary political player, leveraging the military and economic influence of his forces without respecting the capabilities of Sudan’s armed forces. However, being described yesterday as having committed genocide and crimes against humanity, as stated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, redefines the militia’s position in the conflict equation. It has become evident that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), once seen as a pivotal actor potentially relied upon to take over power, have turned into a political and moral burden on their local and regional supporters.
The sanctions tighten the noose around the RSF economically and militarily, granting the Sudanese army greater latitude to reorganize its ranks and liberate areas controlled by the militia. This situation may hasten the militia’s collapse amid the international isolation its regional backers face, fearing similar sanctions.
This shift is already evident, as indications point to significant changes in the positions of some regional powers toward the RSF. For instance, companies linked to the militia and based in the UAE have become targets of U.S. sanctions, signaling the beginning of diminishing regional support. Thus, the UAE’s request for Turkey to mediate in the conflict with Sudan reflects Abu Dhabi’s desire to distance itself from the heavy legacy of its relationship with the RSF, perhaps anticipating potential military developments as the Sudanese army advances its strategy to reclaim RSF-controlled territories.
The Turkish initiative, supported by the UAE and approved by Sudan, seeks to reshape the Sudanese and regional landscape. Its success in ending the militia’s role as a key player could mark the end of its chapter. However, this depends on Turkey’s ability to achieve a breakthrough amid the complexities of the Sudanese scene, especially given the divergence of international and regional agendas.
On another front, the U.S. stance, oscillating between human rights advocacy and strategic interests, must be analyzed carefully. The sanctions reflect Washington’s dual approach to Sudan. On one hand, it presents itself as a defender of human rights by condemning genocide. On the other, it aims to manage the conflict in a way that secures its interests in the post-war phase.
These sanctions come at a critical time for the Biden administration, with the end of his term approaching. They are seen as an effort to bolster the Democrats’ record following criticism of their initial silence at the war’s outset and their adoption of a narrative equating the two sides of the conflict—a stance the Sudanese government has rejected from day one, having labeled the conflict as a rebellion by RSF forces.
Additionally, there are significant security and political implications of the sanctions. The sanctions serve as a means to undermine the militia’s ability to import weapons, weakening its capacity to sustain the war. Internal divisions within the RSF and the departure of its leadership from the political and security scene further accelerate its collapse, leaving a security vacuum that requires careful management by the Sudanese government to prevent the emergence of new factions led by tribal leaders.
Simultaneously, the sanctions send a direct message to political forces allied with the militia—particularly the “Coordination of Civil Forces for Progress,” which signed the Declaration of Principles in Addis Ababa in February 2023. They also signal to the Sudanese public that the international community has begun taking decisive steps to hold those responsible for atrocities and violations against Sudanese people accountable, fostering hope for ending the war.
Moreover, some observers argue that the frozen funds linked to the RSF open political and legal avenues to compensate victims and support relief and reconstruction efforts. These funds could be allocated to establish a national fund that promotes transitional justice, with transparency in its management to avoid political exploitation.
In conclusion, from this truth perspective, U.S. sanctions represent a strategic shift in the international community’s handling of Sudan’s war. However, they also reveal the complexity of the situation, with overlapping local, regional, and international agendas. The key question remains: Will the Sudanese government leverage this international momentum to end the war, or will it remain hostage to external interventions? The answer to this question will shape Sudan’s future, determining whether it achieves sustainable peace or continues the cycle of political and security conflict in new dimensions.
Wishing you well and in good health.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com