Behind the Messages in “Hemedti’s” Address to His Forces

Report by: Al-Nour Ahmed Al-Nour

In his second public appearance before his forces since the outbreak of war in Sudan, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti,” appeared recently in an undisclosed location, delivering messages aimed both internally and regionally. Observers interpreted this move as an attempt to rebrand himself, boost the morale of his troops, and attract new fighters.

The RSF broadcast a speech by its leader to a large gathering of fighters—his first such appearance since the day fighting erupted near the Republican Palace in Khartoum. Until then, Hemedti’s appearances had been limited to audio and video recordings.

Although the RSF did not disclose the location, Hemedti hinted that he was inside Sudan. It is likely he was in RSF-controlled areas in the Darfur region, where the forces still maintain a presence after losing ground in states such as Sennar, Al Jazirah, Khartoum, and parts of White Nile, River Nile, Blue Nile, and South-North Kordofan.

Skepticism

However, Sudan’s former youth minister and ambassador to Tripoli, Haj Majid Suwar, claimed the meeting between Hemedti and his troops did not take place in Sudan, but rather in areas under the control of Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar.

In a Facebook post, Suwar said he had reliable Libyan sources confirming that the event was filmed deep inside Libyan territory.

Security and strategic expert, retired Brigadier Amer Hassan, also questioned the military gathering, telling Al Jazeera Net that the RSF does not have such a large number of troops concentrated in one place, especially in operational zones like Darfur or Kordofan. He suggested the footage may have been digitally altered.

During his speech, Hemedti admitted to military setbacks, saying, “We lost dear land and precious lives,” but promised to return with “pride and dignity.” He highlighted RSF control over the Al-Awainat border triangle between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt, claiming this could be a “positive addition for Sudan’s neighbors” by securing borders, and stressed he has no problems with neighboring states.

He stated that differences with Egypt could be resolved through direct dialogue, adding, “Our problems with Egypt were planted by those criminals. We’ve reassessed our positions and must resolve our issues through dialogue, not conflict.”

Hemedti renewed his attacks on the Sudanese army, claiming it had “significantly diminished.” He sought to reassure residents of northern Sudan that if his forces entered their regions, “there would be no looters among them.”

Stage Requirements

According to Osman Abdulrahman, spokesman for the United Civil Forces Alliance “Qimam,” Hemedti’s speech carried implications beyond morale-boosting, reflecting the demands of the coming phase.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Abdulrahman—whose group is part of the “Tasis” founding alliance—said there are no disagreements within the alliance or obstacles to forming a “government of peace and unity,” which Hemedti and supportive political factions plan to establish in RSF-held areas. He dismissed talk of internal disputes as “delusions and malicious schemes” orchestrated by remnants of the former regime online.

Justification

For his part, former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister and Sudan file coordinator Hossam Issa considered Hemedti’s remarks about revising his stance towards Cairo as a recognition of Egypt’s regional weight and an attempt to avoid provoking a powerful neighbor.

Issa told Sudanese media that Hemedti was trying to justify his movements in the border triangle, viewing them as pragmatic measures to avoid regional escalation.

He reiterated Egypt’s position: it will not engage in wars beyond its borders and will continue supporting the Sudanese state and its institutions, especially the army. The presence of armed militias outside state control, he added, is what leads to fragmentation and instability.

Timing and Intent

Commenting on the significance and timing of Hemedti’s address, security expert Amer Hassan said the RSF leader was attempting to resolve several issues through his appearance—chief among them confirming he is alive, mobile, and still commanding his forces, in response to rumors sparked by his prolonged absence.

Hassan noted that the RSF has suffered heavy defeats in Kordofan and lost many of its field commanders and fighters, failing to replace them. Morale has also declined due to neglect of the wounded. Hemedti, therefore, seeks to revitalize morale and recruit new fighters.

Limited Options

According to Hassan, Hemedti is also trying to rebrand himself and break the international isolation resulting from crimes and violations committed by his forces. However, his mixed messaging to Cairo—offering dialogue while threatening to move into northern Sudan—could destabilize the border, block trade routes, and disrupt the flow of Sudanese goods to Egypt.

Hassan believes Hemedti’s threat to invade northern Sudan again is not serious but a tactical ploy to distract the army from ongoing battles in western Kordofan, since if the RSF fails to advance there, it could become encircled in Darfur.

He also sees Hemedti’s appearance as an attempt to fix the stalled formation of a parallel government in RSF areas, following the failure of his brother and deputy, Abdulrahim Dagalo, who has been negotiating with allies in the Tasis coalition. According to Hassan, internal disputes have been escalating.

Political writer and analyst Ibrahim Siddiq told Al Jazeera Net that recent army operations have become more precise in targeting RSF field commanders, causing confusion and distrust among RSF leaders and forcing them to operate discreetly in isolated areas.

Siddiq noted that Hemedti appeared hidden and surrounded by a noticeable security detail, with a calmer demeanor—indicating he may not have been near active combat zones.

He believes the force Hemedti addressed was likely intended for operations in Nile and Northern states to sow chaos, especially while political leaders and armed movements are preoccupied with power-sharing. He described Hemedti as “a reckless man chasing a lost glory, with increasingly limited options—a desperate military move.”