{"id":955565,"date":"2025-11-08T11:58:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T11:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/?p=955565"},"modified":"2025-11-08T11:58:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T11:58:10","slug":"the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ruthless Warlord Seizing Control of a State \u2014 and How the UK Is Expected to Respond"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Rapid_Support_Forces_RSF_Mohamed_Hamdan_Dagalo_%E2%80%9CHemedti%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Rapid Support Forces (RSF) &amp; Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d)\">Rapid Support Forces (RSF) &amp; Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Who_they_are\" title=\"Who they are\">Who they are<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Whats_happening_why_it_matters\" title=\"What\u2019s happening &amp; why it matters\">What\u2019s happening &amp; why it matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#The_UKs_stance_how_its_expected_to_respond\" title=\"The UK\u2019s stance &amp; how it&#8217;s expected to respond\">The UK\u2019s stance &amp; how it&#8217;s expected to respond<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Case_Study_RSFs_takeover_of_El_Fasher\" title=\"Case Study: RSF\u2019s takeover of El Fasher\">Case Study: RSF\u2019s takeover of El Fasher<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Commentators_views\" title=\"Commentators\u2019 views\">Commentators\u2019 views<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#What_to_watch\" title=\"What to watch\">What to watch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Case_Study_1_RSF_territorial_take-over_in_Darfur_and_beyond\" title=\"Case Study 1: RSF territorial take-over in Darfur and beyond\">Case Study 1: RSF territorial take-over in Darfur and beyond<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#What_happened\" title=\"What happened\">What happened<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Why_it_matters\" title=\"Why it matters\">Why it matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Case_Study_2_RSF_creates_a_%E2%80%9Cparallel_government%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Case Study 2: RSF creates a \u201cparallel government\u201d\">Case Study 2: RSF creates a \u201cparallel government\u201d<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#What_happened-2\" title=\"What happened\">What happened<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Why_it_matters-2\" title=\"Why it matters\">Why it matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#UK-oriented_Comments_Positioning\" title=\"UK-oriented Comments &amp; Positioning\">UK-oriented Comments &amp; Positioning<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Key_issues_for_the_UKs_policy\" title=\"Key issues for the UK\u2019s policy\">Key issues for the UK\u2019s policy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Selected_Comments_Insights\" title=\"Selected Comments &amp; Insights\">Selected Comments &amp; Insights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/#Implications_What_to_Watch\" title=\"Implications &amp; What to Watch\">Implications &amp; What to Watch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rapid_Support_Forces_RSF_Mohamed_Hamdan_Dagalo_%E2%80%9CHemedti%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Rapid Support Forces (RSF) &amp; Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.economist.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width%3D1424%2Cquality%3D80%2Cformat%3Dauto\/content-assets\/images\/20251101_MAP505.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/7\/72\/Mohamed_Hamdan_Dagalo_2022_%28cropped%29.jpg?20230424234523=\" alt=\"Image\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/afp_68ff76a4b091-1761572516.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080\" alt=\"Image\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_they_are\"><\/span>Who they are<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a powerful paramilitary force in Sudan, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias of Darfur and formally established in 2013-14 under the leadership of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (commonly called \u201cHemedti\u201d).<\/li>\n<li>In recent years the RSF has grown both militarily (with heavy weapons, drones, etc) and politically, gaining control of large swathes of Sudan, especially in Darfur and other western regions.<\/li>\n<li>RSF forces recently seized the city of El Fasher (the capital of North Darfur) after a prolonged siege of about 500 days. Reports indicate widespread atrocities after capture \u2014 including executions, rape, and forced displacement of civilians. (<a title=\"Law at the End of the Day\" href=\"https:\/\/wolver9.rssing.com\/chan-6150300\/latest.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">wolver9.rssing.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Analysts characterise Hemedti and the RSF as a \u201cruthless warlord\u201d outfit: one which is not just fighting an insurgency, but effectively positioning itself as a de-factor governing force in parts of Sudan. As one commentary puts it: \u201cthe bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state \u2014 and how the UK will respond to him.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him | Royal United Services Institute\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rusi.org\/news-and-comment\/in-the-news\/bloodthirsty-warlord-taking-control-state-and-how-uk-will-respond-him?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Royal United Services Institute<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_happening_why_it_matters\"><\/span>What\u2019s happening &amp; why it matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The RSF\u2019s seizure of El Fasher, and their broader expansion, marks a shift: from being a militia to being a power broker with ambitions of state-control. The humanitarian cost is enormous: UN officials say that women and girls are being raped, civilians executed, and thousands forced to flee. (<a title=\"Law at the End of the Day\" href=\"https:\/\/wolver9.rssing.com\/chan-6150300\/latest.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">wolver9.rssing.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>This matters globally because once such a group consolidates territorial control and acts like a governing body, it presents multiple risks:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Humanitarian &amp; atrocity risk<\/strong>: large-scale violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regional instability<\/strong>: uncontrolled flows of refugees, arms, gold\/smuggling, destabilisation of neighbouring states.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Governance vacuum<\/strong>: When non-state armed actors become de facto governors, legitimacy, law, and diplomatic norms are challenged.<\/li>\n<li><strong>International complicity\/guilt-by\u2013association<\/strong>: External states (like the UAE) are accused of supporting the RSF, which complicates diplomacy. (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_UKs_stance_how_its_expected_to_respond\"><\/span>The UK\u2019s stance &amp; how it&#8217;s expected to respond<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>According to analysis by Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and UK official statements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The UK government maintains that neither the RSF nor the conventional Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) should play a legitimate role in Sudan\u2019s future governance, given the atrocities committed. (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>The UK is focusing on <strong>humanitarian support<\/strong>, diplomatic alignment (via African Union, UN, etc), and leveraging multilateral channels rather than direct engagement with RSF. For instance, the UK hosted a conference on Sudan that emphasised civilian-led transition, rejecting parallel governments and external interference. (<a title=\"Commons Chamber - Hansard - UK Parliament\" href=\"https:\/\/hansard.parliament.uk\/html\/%E2%80%8CCommons\/2025-04-24\/CommonsChamber?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Hansard<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Engagement pragmatism: In practical terms, since the UK recognizes that RSF control might be a reality on the ground, it may support recovery and humanitarian work even if formal engagement is limited or problematic. One insider noted:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201c\u2026the UK would continue to support the country\u2019s recovery irrespective of its leader, as it recognises states rather than individuals.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>Sanctions\/arms-controls: The UK (with partners) will monitor arms flows, external support to the RSF, and may impose or coordinate sanctions on actors who enable atrocities (including foreign backers). RUSI commentary emphasises the UK still has \u201clevers that clearly have not been pulled.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him | Royal United Services Institute\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rusi.org\/news-and-comment\/in-the-news\/bloodthirsty-warlord-taking-control-state-and-how-uk-will-respond-him?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Royal United Services Institute<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_RSFs_takeover_of_El_Fasher\"><\/span>Case Study: RSF\u2019s takeover of El Fasher<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The RSF overran El Fasher after months of siege, which was the last major SAF stronghold in North Darfur. (<a title=\"Law at the End of the Day\" href=\"https:\/\/wolver9.rssing.com\/chan-6150300\/latest.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">wolver9.rssing.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>After capture, credible reports emerged of:\n<ul>\n<li>House-to-house raids, executions of civilians fleeing.<\/li>\n<li>Mass displacement of tens of thousands.<\/li>\n<li>Breakdown in humanitarian access and protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The takeover solidified the RSF\u2019s hold over Darfur region, enabling it to assert governance functions and control resource flows (minerals, gold, etc).<\/li>\n<li>Implication: What began as militia action has morphed into territorial governance by force, which creates a new paradigm for international response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commentators_views\"><\/span>Commentators\u2019 views<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Michael Jones (Senior Research Fellow at RUSI) asserts:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThese accusations against Abu Dhabi of supporting a group responsible for massacres, war crimes, ethnic-cleansing, they\u2019re not new\u2026 If they were going to change purely on the basis of public and diplomatic opinion, one would have thought that shift would already have taken place.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>On UK policy dilemmas:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThere would be tensions over any engagement with the RSF given the \u2018toxicity of the brand domestically and internationally\u2019.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>On worst-case scenario:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cFor a UK context \u2026 of championing atrocity-prevention \u2026 it\u2019s a very unpalatable political proposition of engaging in those conversations.\u201d (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_watch\"><\/span>What to watch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether the RSF consolidates more formal governance roles, e.g., declaring alternate government structures, entering diplomatic relations, controlling revenue streams (gold\/mining).<\/li>\n<li>How external states (UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) continue to interact with RSF \u2014 the UK\u2019s ability to influence or sanction those flows matters.<\/li>\n<li>UK\u2019s humanitarian\/diplomatic steps: Will the UK increase humanitarian aid, freeze or redirect resources, impose arms embargoes, join multilateral efforts led by African Union?<\/li>\n<li>Whether UK (and allies) formally recognise or refuse to recognise any RSF-led governance structure\u2014this influences international law legitimacy and aid flows.<\/li>\n<li>The balance between principle (i.e., no dealing with war-criminal organisations) and pragmatism (i.e., stabilising the region, protecting civilians) in UK foreign policy.<\/li>\n<li>Here are detailed <strong>case studies<\/strong> and <strong>comments<\/strong> concerning the rise of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d) in Sudan \u2014 and how the UK is positioned to respond.<br \/>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_1_RSF_territorial_take-over_in_Darfur_and_beyond\"><\/span>Case Study 1: RSF territorial take-over in Darfur and beyond<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happened\"><\/span>What happened<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>According to a January 2025 UK government country-policy note, the RSF \u201chad secured control of four of five Darfur states, including strategic cities, supply routes and border areas\u201d by December 2023. (<a title=\"Country policy and information note: security situation, Sudan, January 2025 (accessible) - GOV.UK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/sudan-country-policy-and-information-notes\/country-policy-and-information-note-security-situation-sudan-january-2025-accessible?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">GOV.UK<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>In late October 2025 the RSF reportedly captured the city of El Fashir, the last major military stronghold in North Darfur, marking a possible consolidation of control over Darfur. (<a title=\"Sudanese paramilitary enters army's last stronghold in Darfur\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2025\/10\/26\/sudan-rsf-el-fashir-darfur\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Washington Post<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>The RSF methods have included looting, attacks on hospitals and civilians, and destruction of infrastructure. For example: the RSF attacked a village in North Kordofan, burning homes and the only health-centre there. (<a title=\"RSF fighters ambush a Sudanese village, killing 7 and burning homes\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/f449bb5b63a50369b2a15c7414b88cc8?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">AP News<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Analysts describe the RSF as following the \u201cmilitia-capture-state\u201d model: militarily seizing territory, co-opting state functions, exploiting business-networks and resource flows. (<a title=\"How militia groups capture states and ruin countries: the case of Sudan\u2019s Rapid Support Forces - The African Mirror\" href=\"https:\/\/theafricanmirror.africa\/news\/how-militia-groups-capture-states-and-ruin-countries-the-case-of-sudans-rapid-support-forces\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The African Mirror &#8211; For Africa &#8211; Always<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_matters\"><\/span>Why it matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The RSF\u2019s control over large areas means they are acting less like a rebellious force and more like a <strong>de-facto governing actor<\/strong>, which challenges the traditional assumption of a state monopolising force.<\/li>\n<li>This shift has profound implications for humanitarian access, accountability (war crimes, crimes against humanity), regional stability (mass displacement), and external engagement.<\/li>\n<li>For the UK (and other states) the question becomes: how to deal with a non-state actor that is acting like a state but lacks legitimacy, and which is accused of atrocities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_2_RSF_creates_a_%E2%80%9Cparallel_government%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Case Study 2: RSF creates a \u201cparallel government\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happened-2\"><\/span>What happened<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>In February 2025 the RSF and allied armed\/political groups signed a charter to establish a \u201cgovernment of peace and unity\u201d. (<a title=\"Sudan's RSF, allies sign charter to form parallel government, two signatories say\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/africa\/sudans-rsf-allied-groups-sign-charter-form-parallel-government-two-signatories-2025-02-22\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reuters<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>This indicates RSF\u2019s ambition not just to fight for power but to formalise governance structures \u2014 a hallmark of \u201cstate capture\u201d by non-state forces.<\/li>\n<li>The move has been condemned by the legitimate federal government and is unlikely to be broadly recognised internationally. (<a title=\"Sudan's RSF, allies sign charter to form parallel government, two signatories say\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/africa\/sudans-rsf-allied-groups-sign-charter-form-parallel-government-two-signatories-2025-02-22\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reuters<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_it_matters-2\"><\/span>Why it matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The creation of a parallel government underscores the fragmentation of state sovereignty in Sudan.<\/li>\n<li>For external actors like the UK, this complicates diplomacy: do you recognise or engage with this body? What are the implications for sanctioning, aid delivery, peace-process involvement?<\/li>\n<li>It heightens the risks of a \u201cde facto partition\u201d of the country \u2014 if the RSF controls territory and resources and sets up governance, the future may look like multiple rival power centres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UK-oriented_Comments_Positioning\"><\/span>UK-oriented Comments &amp; Positioning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The UK has formally recognised that atrocities are being committed in Sudan: the UK government briefing notes that there is \u201ca growing body of evidence of serious atrocities being committed against civilians in Sudan: the escalation of violence; the killing of civilians; the sexual assault of women; and the restriction of humanitarian access.\u201d (<a title=\"Humanitarian situation in Sudan - House of Commons Library\" href=\"https:\/\/commonslibrary.parliament.uk\/research-briefings\/cdp-2025-0167\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">House of Commons Library<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>On engagement, it has been reported the UK\u2019s Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO) has held <strong>secret talks<\/strong> with the RSF to help humanitarian access. The move drew criticism from rights-groups for possibly legitimising the RSF. (<a title=\"UK Foreign Office holding secret talks with Sudan's RSF paramilitary group\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global-development\/2024\/apr\/15\/uk-foreign-office-holding-secret-talks-with-sudans-rsf-paramilitary-group?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Guardian<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>External commentary emphasises that the international community (including the UK) failed to anticipate how the RSF would evolve from militia into governing force. For example, an article in <em>Time<\/em> argued that because structural incentives were ignored, the RSF effectively became predatory in capturing state functions. (<a title=\"How the International Community Failed Sudan\" href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/6275229\/how-the-international-community-failed-sudan\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">TIME<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_issues_for_the_UKs_policy\"><\/span>Key issues for the UK\u2019s policy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Legitimacy<\/strong>: The UK needs to decide whether to engage with the RSF as a governance actor (which has serious moral and legal implications) or to treat them only as militia and avoid recognition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Humanitarian access<\/strong>: With RSF in control of territory, the UK must grapple with the reality of humanitarian delivery: engaging them may be necessary but risks legitimisation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sanctions &amp; accountability<\/strong>: The UK already uses sanctions tools, but as the RSF becomes entrenched, enforcing accountability becomes harder and will require multilateral coordination. (<a title=\"Humanitarian situation in Sudan - House of Commons Library\" href=\"https:\/\/commonslibrary.parliament.uk\/research-briefings\/cdp-2025-0167\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">House of Commons Library<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stability vs justice trade-off<\/strong>: The UK must balance short-term stability (getting aid, protecting civilians) with long-term principles (not empowering actors accused of war crimes).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selected_Comments_Insights\"><\/span>Selected Comments &amp; Insights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>From human rights organisations:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI\u2019m shocked. It feels like a terrible move. For the Sudanese, it will be experienced as a real slap in the face.\u201d (on UK engaging RSF) (<a title=\"UK in secret talks with the RSF in Sudan.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1c7bckb?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>From analysts:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cHow militia groups capture states and ruin countries: the case of Sudan\u2019s Rapid Support Forces.\u201d (title of article) (<a title=\"How militia groups capture states and ruin countries: the case of Sudan\u2019s Rapid Support Forces - The African Mirror\" href=\"https:\/\/theafricanmirror.africa\/news\/how-militia-groups-capture-states-and-ruin-countries-the-case-of-sudans-rapid-support-forces\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The African Mirror &#8211; For Africa &#8211; Always<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>On UK\u2019s dilemma:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe UK\u2019s official position is that neither the RSF nor the SAF can be involved in the future governance of Sudan because of past atrocities.\u201d (reddit summary) (<a title=\"The bloodthirsty warlord taking control of a state - and how the UK will respond to him\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/\/r\/geopolitics\/comments\/1oq18pj?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Implications_What_to_Watch\"><\/span>Implications &amp; What to Watch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether the UK will <strong>recognise or refuse to recognise<\/strong> any RSF-linked governance structure. A formal recognition would set a precedent and may undermine UK\u2019s stated human rights-based foreign policy.<\/li>\n<li>Whether the UK tightens <strong>arms export controls<\/strong> and sanctions in response to RSF\u2019s arms sourcing and support networks.<\/li>\n<li>How the UK leverages <strong>multilateral diplomacy<\/strong> (via the UN, African Union etc) rather than purely bilateral contact \u2014 given the UK\u2019s relatively limited direct leverage on the ground.<\/li>\n<li>Whether the UK uses <strong>humanitarian aid<\/strong> as leverage: conditional funding, robust monitoring, co-ordination with civil society and NGOs in RSF-controlled areas.<\/li>\n<li>How UK policy evolves if the RSF consolidates and effectively governs large parts of Sudan: will the UK adapt to a new reality or seek to restore a centralised civilian-led governance?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rapid Support Forces (RSF) &amp; Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d) Who they are The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a powerful paramilitary force in Sudan, originally&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-955565","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gb-news","category-uk-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Ruthless Warlord Seizing Control of a State \u2014 and How the UK Is Expected to Respond - UK News &amp; Updates<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/the-ruthless-warlord-seizing-control-of-a-state-and-how-the-uk-is-expected-to-respond\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Ruthless Warlord Seizing Control of a State \u2014 and How the UK Is Expected to Respond - UK News &amp; 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