SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: BBC – Sudan crisis: Sudan crisis: The ruthless mercenaries who run the country for gold
Sudan expert Alex de Waal charts the rise of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to becoming “the real ruling power in Sudan,” arguing that the RSF is a “new kind of regime: a hybrid of ethnic militia and business enterprise.”
De Waal highlights how RSF commander Himedti exploited gold becoming 40% of Sudan’s exports, becoming wealthy and politically powerful, particularly after his forces attacked those of his former Janjaweed “master” Musa Hilal, who took over a gold rich area of North Darfur but denied the government access.
The RSFs power increased as it collaborated with the EU and the Saudi-Emirati-led coalition to patrol the Libyan and Yemeni borders respectively. Himedti’s personal wealth has also led him to buy support as part of his PR campaign for legitimacy.