Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, has been sentenced to death in absentia over war crimes, alongside 15 RSF commanders and allies, according to the BBC.
Key facts
- Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, chief of Sudan's paramilitary RSF, was sentenced to death.
- The conviction was handed down in absentia.
- A total of 15 RSF commanders and allies were convicted alongside him.
- The case concerns war crimes, according to the BBC.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been sentenced to death over war crimes, according to the BBC. The conviction was handed down in absentia, meaning Dagalo was not present in court for the ruling.
Dagalo was convicted alongside 15 RSF commanders and allies, the BBC reported, indicating that the case extended beyond the paramilitary leader to include a wider group of figures connected to the force.
The RSF has been at the centre of Sudan’s conflict, and the sentencing marks a significant legal development in efforts to hold its leadership accountable for alleged war crimes.
As the conviction was reached in absentia, it remains unclear whether the sentence will be carried out, given that those found guilty were not in custody at the time of the ruling.
The BBC’s report focuses on the conviction and sentencing of Dagalo and the additional commanders and allies, underscoring the scale of the case against the RSF’s leadership.
Why it matters
The sentencing of a paramilitary leader over war crimes signals an attempt to establish accountability amid Sudan's ongoing conflict. Because the ruling was made in absentia, its practical effect will depend on whether those convicted can be brought into custody.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo?
According to the BBC, he is the chief of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who has been convicted and sentenced to death over war crimes.
What does convicted 'in absentia' mean?
It means the individuals were convicted while not present in court. The BBC reports that Dagalo and 15 RSF commanders and allies were convicted in absentia.
How many people were convicted alongside Dagalo?
The BBC reports that 15 RSF commanders and allies were convicted along with him.