Sudan’s Army Reports First Defection of RSF Commander in Efforts to Push Back Militant Group
The defection of Abuagla Keikal, a high-ranking commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to the Sudanese army marks a significant turning point in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Keikal, who commanded RSF forces in the southeastern state of El Gezira, is the most senior figure to switch sides since fighting began between the RSF and the army in April 2023. While the RSF has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, the army welcomed Keikal’s decision, signaling it as a blow to the RSF’s position.
The conflict, which began after tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese army escalated into open warfare, has had devastating consequences. The war erupted following power struggles between the two factions, which had briefly shared authority after a 2021 military coup. This coup followed the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, and both factions vied for dominance in the country’s post-Bashir political landscape. The power struggle disrupted the transition to civilian rule, which had been backed by international actors.
Since April 2023, the fighting has displaced over 10 million people, according to the United Nations, and plunged many areas into famine. The RSF, which controlled vast portions of Sudan, has been accused of human rights abuses, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, the Sudanese army has made advances in key regions, such as the capital Khartoum and Sennar, with Keikal’s defection potentially signaling a further weakening of the RSF’s influence.
The defection highlights fractures within the RSF’s ranks and raises questions about the group’s long-term stability. While the army has invited other RSF militants to join its ranks, the broader conflict shows no signs of resolution, with foreign powers backing both sides. Keikal’s defection could embolden more RSF members to abandon the group, but the war, which has drawn in regional and global actors, remains far from over. International efforts to mediate peace have so far struggled to gain traction amidst the complex political dynamics in Sudan.
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