The arrest of notorious militia leader ‘Abu Lulu’ has done little to ease global outrage over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s Darfur massacres. While Sudanese authorities frame the detention as progress, human rights advocates dismiss it as a token gesture, insisting Abu Lulu is a scapegoat for systemic RSF violence.
Who Is Abu Lulu?
Abu Lulu, a feared RSF-aligned militia commander, was detained after international pressure mounted over evidence of mass graves and razed villages in West Darfur. Critics argue his arrest sidesteps accountability for senior RSF leaders, including Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
“This is a distraction—the RSF’s chain of command runs much higher,” said a Darfur activist anonymously.
RSF Denials vs. Evidence of Atrocities
The RSF blames “rogue elements” for the violence, but investigations by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International document systematic ethnic cleansing: executions, sexual violence, and village burnings targeting non-Arab communities.
Originally formed from the Janjaweed militias of the 2003 genocide, the RSF operates with impunity, funded by gold mining and foreign support.
Global Condemnation, Weak Response
Despite UN and ICC scrutiny, key perpetrators evade justice. Sudan’s fragile transitional government faces accusations of tolerating RSF crimes.
“The world watches, but victims still wait,” said Kenneth Roth, ex-HRW director.
Survivors: Symbolic Arrests Aren’t Justice
Displaced Darfuris in Chad identify free RSF commanders holding official roles. “They took Abu Lulu, not the men who ordered the killings,” said survivor Fatima.
What’s Next?
Without dismantling the RSF’s power structure, violence will persist. Will Sudan’s government act, or enable another cycle of impunity?
NextMinuteNews will continue coverage.
