Hemedti: The end of a team that did not respect “Umm Al-Klali”! – The face of truth – ✍️ Ibrahim Shaqlawi
The American sanctions imposed on Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” come at a pivotal moment in the war in Sudan, presenting new political and security dimensions that go beyond Sudan's borders and affect regional and international balances. These sanctions, which describe the militia as having committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and include freezing the assets of seven companies linked to the militia and imposing restrictions on its leaders, reflect a qualitative change in the American position toward the war. . This makes the militia a party that can no longer be trusted and reveals a broader strategy to manage the war according to the principle of “agent reset”.
In this article, we attempt to dismantle this scene through its international and regional dimensions and its impact on the Sudanese reality, given that these sanctions contribute to redefining roles within the war started in April 2023. Before that, we must explain the meaning of “Umm al-Kalali”. This expression is used by the military to glorify the Sudanese Military College, established in 1905 AD, where its graduating officers were known for their high skill and competence. distinguished expertise.
In a short time, Hemedti's ambition dissipated from one who aspires to rule Sudan unjustly to one who is pursued internationally. Since its appearance in Sudanese political and military life, it has sought to establish itself as a major political actor, exploiting the military and economic influence of its forces without respecting Sudanese military capabilities. But its description yesterday of the commission of genocide and crimes against humanity, as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said, redefines the militia's position in the conflict equation. It has become clear that Rapid Support, which was seen as an influential party that could be counted on to come to power, has become a political and moral burden on its local and regional supporters.
Sanctions tighten the grip on rapid economic and military support, giving the Sudanese army more room to liberate areas controlled by militias. This could accelerate the collapse of the militia, given the international isolation it will face from its regional supporters for fear of being subject to similar sanctions.
This is what is starting to become clear, as the data leads to a significant shift in the positions of some regional powers towards rapid support. For example, companies linked to UAE-based militias have become targets of US sanctions, indicating the beginning of a decline in regional support. Therefore, the UAE's request to mediate the conflict with Sudan reflects Abu Dhabi's desire to shed the heavy legacy left by its relationship with Rapid Support, and perhaps in anticipation of possible changes on the ground that the Sudanese army has started to make. approximately to carry out its strategy of restoring lands controlled by the militias.
The Turkish initiative supported by the United Arab Emirates and approved by Sudan is part of an attempt to reshape the Sudanese and regional scene. It is also clear that this will involve permanently closing the militia page. But this depends on Turkey's ability to achieve a breakthrough in light of the complexities of the Sudanese scene and the differences between international and regional agendas.
On the other hand, the American position, oscillating between human rights and strategic interests, must be examined carefully. US sanctions reflect the duality of approach towards Sudan. On the one hand, Washington presents itself as a defender of human rights by condemning the crimes of genocide, and on the other, it seeks to manage the issue in a way that guarantees its interests. in the aftermath of the war.
As we know, these sanctions come at a sensitive time for the US administration, as the end of Biden's term approaches. The moves are seen as a way to whitewash the Democrats' record after they were criticized for their silence at the start of the war and their adoption of a narrative that equates both sides of the war, an equality that the Sudanese government maintained. reject, considering that war is a rebellion of forces against the legitimacy of the state.
There is also an important aspect to take into account, namely the security and political implications of the sanctions. Sanctions are a way of undermining the ability of militias to import weapons, leading to a reduction in their ability to prosecute the war. RSF's internal divisions and the departure of its leaders from the political and security scene are accelerating its collapse, leaving a security vacuum that requires careful management by the Sudanese government so that other groups affiliated with tribal leaders do not arise.
At the same time, the sanctions send a direct message to the political forces allied with the militias, and here I mean “coordination of civilian forces is progressing”, about the need to manage their affairs. In February 2023, she signed the Declaration of Principles in Addis Ababa. It also sends a message to the Sudanese streets that the international community has begun to take decisive action to punish those responsible for atrocities and violations committed against the Sudanese, strengthening hopes for an end to the war.
On the other hand, several observers believe that frozen funds combined with rapid support open political and legal horizons to compensate victims and support relief and reconstruction efforts. These funds could be allocated to the creation of a national fund promoting transitional justice, while guaranteeing transparency in its management to avoid any political exploitation.
So, from what we see in reality, the US sanctions represent a strategic shift in the way the international community deals with the war in Sudan, but they also reveal the complexity of the scene where local, regional and international agendas overlap. But the most important question remains: will the Sudanese government be able to benefit from this international momentum to end the war? Or will it remain hostage to external interference? The answer to this question will determine the future of Sudan in the coming periods, between achieving lasting peace or continuing the cycle of political and security conflict to new dimensions.
May you always be well.
