A man residing in Sheffield, United Kingdom, is at the center of an international outcry for his alleged role as a prominent online propagandist for a Sudanese paramilitary group. The militia, known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stands accused of committing widespread atrocities, including acts of genocide, in Sudan’s Darfur region.
The individual in question has reportedly appeared in hundreds of social media videos expressing support for the RSF. In one particularly disturbing instance from late October, he was seen on a live broadcast laughing as an RSF fighter boasted about killing thousands of people in the city of El Fasher. During the same broadcast, the Sheffield-based man used derogatory language against indigenous Darfuri ethnic groups.
His online activities, spanning platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and X, have amassed tens of thousands of followers. He has also reportedly traveled to conflict zones in Darfur at least twice since the war began, posting content from areas under RSF control. This access, observers note, suggests a level of influence within the militia that extends beyond simple online advocacy.
Members of the Sudanese diaspora in Britain have called for legal action, arguing his content incites hatred and glorifies violence. “The right to free speech cannot be a cover for hate speech or calls to violence,” stated the chair of a UK-based Darfur diaspora organization. “Authorities must act to ensure accountability and stop the spread of this harmful material.”
In response to inquiries, TikTok and YouTube confirmed they have removed the man’s accounts for violating policies on violent extremism and criminal organizations. His TikTok account alone had approximately 240,000 followers before its removal. The platform X has previously taken down his profiles, but new accounts have reportedly been created to circumvent bans.
Analysts monitoring the conflict describe him as a dedicated and influential digital activist for the RSF. These online supporters are seen as playing a key role in bolstering the militia by disseminating narratives that seek to justify its actions in the war.
The man is also named in a formal request to the British government, filed by a former detainee of the RSF, urging sanctions against individuals accused of supporting the paramilitary group.
Human rights advocates draw parallels to other conflicts, warning that the spread of such incendiary rhetoric can fuel violence. “Look at how other tragedies began,” one Sudanese lawyer commented. “Those who spread hate speech laid the groundwork for war.” They argue that the individual’s activities go beyond mere commentary, suggesting a role in recruitment and encouragement for the militia’s campaigns.