The Militia… Denying the Facts
Sudan Events – Agencies
Anyone following the narratives and statements of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the first day of the war through various media platforms will find that their media strategy is based on denial and distortion of facts. They employ carefully crafted tactics aimed primarily at diverting attention from their violations by reshaping narratives in their favor. This strategy is not new; it is commonly used by armed groups and entities seeking to control media discourse and its direction. In recent days, as the militia suffers successive defeats and nears total collapse, its media outlets, spokespeople, and collaborators persist in spreading lies and denial.
Denying Crimes and Atrocities
Despite a continuous flow of images, videos, and documented testimonies from survivors, the militia repeatedly denies its involvement in massacres and human rights violations, even in the face of undeniable evidence. RSF spokespeople play a significant role in reinforcing this denial through high-viewership satellite channels, particularly Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, as well as through groups of pro-militia activists on social media. In some cases, they attempt to shift blame onto other parties, such as the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allied forces. More frequently, they accuse Islamist factions, thereby achieving multiple objectives with a single tactic.
The “Marginalized” Project
One of the militia’s primary media narratives revolves around portraying its war as a fight for marginalized communities. This tactic attempts to shift its image from that of an armed group committing violations and staging a coup with foreign backing to that of a defender of marginalized populations. By adopting this narrative, the RSF seeks to gain legitimacy and attract temporary support from certain groups, deceiving them into becoming allies in its aggression.
Social Media Manipulation
As part of its denial and deception strategy, the militia spreads misinformation through affiliated accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms. This involves celebrities, influencers, and militia members trained in digital warfare, as well as hired foreign amateurs paid to spread propaganda. Another tactic includes amplifying or distorting news to create confusion, leaving audiences—both supporters and opponents—disoriented and uncertain. This strategy also involves recycling old or doctored footage to manipulate public perception, a practice evident in videos featuring the militia leader, where an expert observer can easily spot heavy editing, splicing, and misrepresentation.
Exploiting Ethnic Conflicts
The RSF plays on ethnic and tribal conflicts to further its agenda. This is evident in its ongoing media focus on the “Kinnabi” issue in Gezira State, despite the fact that the number of casualties among suspected militia collaborators in these settlements is far lower than the number of victims of RSF attacks, such as the massacre at Sabreen Market in Omdurman. Additionally, the militia leader’s emphasis on alleged victims from South Sudan and his public apology to the South Sudanese government is part of this deception, contradicted by the deeply ingrained supremacist attitudes of RSF fighters—many of whom are Arab nomads—towards Black African communities.
Deception on the International Stage
The RSF’s media strategy of denial and deception also extends to its portrayal in peace negotiations, where it presents itself as a party committed to peace while continuing to commit atrocities. The militia frequently exploits humanitarian crises for public relations purposes, portraying itself as a protector of civilians while, in reality, being their primary oppressor. However, despite the short-term effectiveness of these tactics, they cannot withstand independent investigations and documented evidence that expose the truth. Nevertheless, the international community’s political calculations and self-interest often prevent these facts from being fully revealed—except when it serves their agendas.
Countering Propaganda
The Sudanese Armed Forces and all factions fighting alongside them recognize that the battle is not only military but also extends to media and diplomacy. Therefore, they employ a balanced strategy that combines military decisiveness with exposing RSF falsehoods and engaging both domestic and international audiences to refute militia claims and reveal their crimes.
The key to countering RSF propaganda lies in intensifying field operations and securing strategic locations, thereby diminishing the militia’s ability to spread disinformation. Targeting RSF command and communication centers disrupts its ability to coordinate misleading narratives. The Sudanese Army counters this deception by issuing official statements that debunk militia claims, presenting evidence-backed reports, and releasing videos documenting battlefield developments. Additionally, highlighting proof of RSF atrocities and defeats, while facilitating communication with global media and human rights organizations, ensures that the true picture reaches the world.
Furthermore, strengthening the Sudanese Army’s media platforms with accurate reports on battles and victories, while systematically exposing false propaganda, plays a crucial role in neutralizing RSF disinformation campaigns.
Source: “Sudanese Echoes”
