UK-based man accused of promoting RSF propaganda online
4 Min Read
A UK-based supporter of Sudan's RSF is under fire for promoting hate speech and glorifying violence in Sudan via social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
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An undated screenshot from a broadcast featuring Alrabea and Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, a prominent RSF fighter known as Abu Lulu (Social media)
A British citizen based in Sheffield has come under scrutiny for promoting hate speech and glorifying atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
Abdalmonim Alrabea, 44, appeared in a TikTok livestream laughing alongside a notorious RSF fighter who boasted about mass killings in the city of El Fasher.
The video, broadcast on October 27, is one of hundreds where Alrabea expresses support for the RSF and its ethnically targeted attacks in Darfur. A prominent RSF propagandist, Alrabea has travelled to Darfur multiple times since the war began and regularly uploads content on TikTok, YouTube, and X to tens of thousands of followers.
In the livestream, Alrabea is seen speaking with a known RSF fighter, Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, known as Abu Lulu, who has appeared in videos from El Fasher, including footage showing RSF members executing unarmed civilians.
“Today I killed 2,000 people, and then I lost count. I want to start again from zero,” Abu Lulu says in the clip. Alrabea responds with laughter and encouragement. At one point, he uses a slur to refer to Darfur’s indigenous communities, urging Abu Lulu to attack them.
Rights groups and members of the Sudanese diaspora in the UK have condemned the content. “Freedom of speech should never serve as a shield for hate speech or incitement to violence,” said Abdallah Abu Garda, chair of the UK-based Darfur Diaspora Association.
Read more: RSF burned bodies to hide war crimes in El Fasher, Sudan
Sudanese diaspora calls for legal action in the UK
Little is known about Alrabea’s personal life, but some of his videos appear to show him working as a taxi driver in Sheffield. Sudanese activists are calling on UK authorities to investigate his online activities and explore whether legal action can be pursued for inciting violence or supporting a group involved in mass atrocities.
Human rights lawyer Mohaned Elnour described Alrabea’s role as going beyond digital cheerleading. “His role is to recruit, to encourage,” he said. “There are many spreading hate speech, but he is the one meeting RSF officials, standing on tanks, posting from Darfur.”
Read more: Britain opted for cheaper Sudan plan despite risk of mass killings
Social media platforms remove extremist content
Following media inquiries, TikTok confirmed that Alrabea’s account, which had 240,000 followers, was removed for violating its policies on violent and criminal behaviour. YouTube also deleted his channel for breaching guidelines on extremist content. TikTok noted that while its moderation systems scan TikTok Live sessions, livestreams are not saved, making detection harder unless viewers report the material.
Platform X has also taken down several of Alrabea’s accounts, though he has re-emerged repeatedly under new handles. The company shared its policies on violent and hateful content, but did not directly address Alrabea’s case.
Read more: UK tries to block critics of UAE's weapon supply to Sudan war: Report
Alrabea’s travel to Darfur raises questions about RSF ties
Alrabea has visited Darfur during the conflict, uploading videos from RSF-controlled areas, including parts of El Fasher. Photos show him on RSF tanks and in apparent meetings with RSF figures, raising concerns about his relationship with the group.
He is named in a UK-based sanctions request filed by Sudanese national Yaslam Altayeb, who was previously detained by the RSF. The application urges the British government to take action against individuals accused of supporting the RSF’s campaign of violence.
In January, the US formally declared the RSF responsible for genocide in the Sudan conflict. Satellite images of El Fasher, analyzed by Yale researchers, show bloodstains on city streets and suspected mass graves.
Researcher Mohamed Suliman, who monitors RSF-linked propaganda online, described Alrabea as “possibly the RSF’s most influential social media activist.” He said figures like Alrabea play a key role in justifying violence and spreading the RSF's narrative to global audiences.
“Look at Rwanda, how it started – those who spread hate speech fueled the war,” said Elnour. “It’s not just words. It’s mobilization.”
Read more: RSF attacks kill civilians, shut down hospitals in Sudan
