Top RSF commander defects, joins Sudanese army

Abu Aqla Kaki (red beret) a former RSF commander, poses with Sudanese army soldiers as locals celebrate his defection, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict (Photo: Social Media)

KHARTOUM - A top military commander associated with the Rapid Support Force (RSF) defected his outfit, joining the Sudanese army, in what seems to be a huge win for the military rulers who are battling to control the country amid resistance from the paramilitary wing.

The commander is said to have defected along with some of his fighters, further weakening the Rapid Support Force. This is the first major defection since the fighting started several months ago.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF, which has seized control of large parts of the country in a conflict with the military that the United Nations says has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises., Aljazeera reports.

But those who support the national army posted photos purportedly of Abuagla Keikal – a former army officer who became the RSF’s top commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira – after he had defected.

And the Sudanese army which has made significant gains against the Rapid Support Force within the capital Khartoum, said Keikal had decided to make the move because of his former force’s “destructive agenda”.

It did not go into further detail and there was no statement, in print or on video, from Keikal. The army has also claimed an advance in the state of Sennar, in southeast Sudan near the border with Ethiopia, opening up a supply route from eastern Sudan into the south.

“[The army] said that any other fighter from the RSF who wants to come and join ranks with the army is welcome to do so,” said Hiba Morgan, an Al Jazeera correspondent, who added that RSF was losing strategic areas.

The conflict has displaced more than 10 million people, driven parts of the country to extreme hunger or famine, and drawn in foreign powers that have supplied both sides with material support, Aljazeera adds.

It began in April 2023 when tensions between the RSF and the army, who had been jostling for position before an internationally backed transition to civilian rule, erupted into open conflict. The RSF paramilitary wing was the cornerstone of Omar Al-Bashir's regime.

GAROWE ONLINE