Situation on the Brink of Explosion: Abdelrahim Dagalo Leads Coup Within Militia Ranks

Sudan Events – Agencies

The situation within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is on the verge of explosion due to internal conflicts within its ranks, and the ongoing power struggle between militia leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and his brother, second-in-command Abdelrahim Dagalo. Abdelrahim’s growing ambition to lead the militia has intensified the tension, particularly amid a quiet rebellion led by tribal leaders and local dignitaries from within the militia’s support base. These tribal leaders have faced continued threats and coercion from Abdelrahim, including his latest threats to mobilize their members to support the militia in its existential war against the Sudanese state. As a result, many tribes are reportedly on the brink of breaking away from the militia, abandoning the rebellion, and returning to the fold of the Sudanese government.

Secret Communications:
According to informed government sources, most Darfuri tribes allied with the militia now believe that the RSF has collapsed, lost its war against the Sudanese government, and forfeited both public and international support. These tribes are seeking a “lifeline” through secret negotiations with the government to withdraw their sons from the militia and rejoin the national army. This move follows the massacre of many of their fighters in Khartoum, the RSF leadership’s abandonment of trapped tribal fighters in the Republican Palace and Khartoum State, and the withdrawal of favored individuals by the RSF leadership.

Stripping Hemedti of Power:
Informed sources within the RSF revealed that leadership of the militia’s field, political, and financial operations was transferred to Abdelrahim Dagalo in February 2024 due to Hemedti’s deteriorating health. The same sources confirmed that Hemedti was stripped of his powers under Emirati pressure, while Abdelrahim dissolved Hemedti’s executive office, reassigned his office director, rebel Major General Hassan Mahjoub, to lead the Omdurman sector, dismantled Hemedti’s support groups, and suspended their activities. Abdelrahim also dismissed Hemedti’s political advisor, Youssef Ezzat, dissolved the advisory body, and formed a new one loyal to him. These moves signal a hidden power struggle, with Abdelrahim seeking full control.

Nairobi Meetings:
Sources also revealed that the RSF leadership held a meeting in Nairobi on January 14, 2025, attended by Abdelrahim Dagalo, Mohamed Hassan Al-Taayishi, Omar Hamdan, Siddiq Al-Ghali, and others. The meeting debated whether to politically negotiate with the Sudanese government, led by Sovereign Council head General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, or to continue military operations. Sharp disagreements reportedly emerged, with the pro-negotiation group proposing the formation of a unified opposition political bloc to negotiate with the government. Abdelrahim, Al-Ghali, and Al-Taayishi supported this approach, while Omar Hamdan, backed by Hemedti, opposed it. The UAE reportedly rejected Hemedti’s military strategy and backed Abdelrahim’s political path.

Access to Hemedti:
The sources said that the UAE placed Hemedti under medical care in Kenya and restricted access to him, requiring Abdelrahim’s permission. The rationale was to shield Hemedti from the political turmoil to protect his health. It was also revealed that Abdelrahim empowered leaders from the Mahariya clan of the Rizeigat tribe to dominate decision-making, marginalizing leaders from other tribes. The military setbacks faced by the RSF are attributed to Mahariya leaders focusing on commerce, arms sales, and looting, resulting in neglected fighters and wounded soldiers—except for Mahariya and Rizeigat elements.

Corruption Within the Militia:
Corruption scandals have surfaced, especially within the RSF’s medical unit, where rebel leader Mohamed Bilal and Abshir Bilal reportedly embezzled $80 million worth of funds and medical equipment from East Nile Hospital. Mohamed Bilal has since fled to Kampala, Uganda, where he resides with his family in the Nalia district.

Abdelrahim’s Plan:
Sources revealed that Abdelrahim recently arrived in Nairobi to declare his de facto leadership of the RSF. He presented a written plan to Hemedti, proposing the dissolution of the United Civil Forces Coalition (Qimam), the RSF’s political front backed by Taqaddum and Samood. This coalition includes the Tamazuj Movement, the Sudanese Alliance led by Hafiz Abdel Nabi, tribal leaders loyal to the RSF, and youth groups claiming to represent resistance committees. Abdelrahim expressed his intent to reorganize both the military and civilian landscape.

Hemedti reportedly rejected this plan and refused to assume leadership of the RSF’s parallel government in Nairobi. Despite being in Kenya, he declined to address the conferences held there—an apparent refusal to be placed under Abdelrahim’s authority, allegedly orchestrated by the UAE.

Selling Out the Battles:
Field officers have also grown disillusioned with the RSF leadership. Numerous leaked voice recordings from RSF commanders and soldiers suggest that the war has become politically driven and that many battles have been “sold” to the UAE. These sources predict that Abdelrahim’s full-blown internal coup is nearly complete, especially following his recent movements in Darfur. His rhetoric has shifted markedly—he no longer mentions his brother Hemedti and presents himself as the sole RSF leader, threatening tribal leaders and militia officers with execution. The sources expect the coming months to witness the culmination of Abdelrahim’s coup, military defections, and the surrender of armed groups to the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Reported by “Sudanese Echoes”