In a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the Sudanese army announced on Sunday that a senior commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has defected, marking the first such defection since hostilities erupted over 18 months ago. The commander, Abuagla Keikal, a former army officer and the RSF’s top commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira, reportedly left the paramilitary group along with some of his troops.
While there has been no immediate response from the RSF regarding this defection, the army claims that Keikal’s decision was influenced by the RSF’s “destructive agenda.” Supporters of the army shared photos online purportedly showing Keikal after his departure from the RSF.
The Sudanese army has been gaining ground against the RSF in various regions, including parts of Khartoum and the state of Sennar, located in southeastern Sudan near the border with Ethiopia. The army has indicated that it is open to welcoming any other RSF fighters who wish to join their ranks.
The conflict between the army and the RSF has resulted in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 10 million people and plunging many areas into extreme hunger or famine. This conflict began in April 2023, stemming from tensions that escalated between the RSF and the army as both factions vied for power in the wake of a coup in 2021, following the ousting of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.