A significant shift in Sudan's ongoing conflict emerged on Sunday as the Sudanese army announced the defection of a senior commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marks the first instance of a high-ranking figure switching allegiance since the two sides initiated hostilities over 18 months ago.
The army reported that Abuagla Keikal, a former army officer who rose to become the RSF's top commander in the southeastern El Gezira state, has joined their ranks, bringing with him a contingent of troops.
Footage of Keikal circulating online, shared by army supporters, seemingly confirms the defection. The army attributed Keikal's decision to the RSF's "destructive agenda," but provided no further details. Keikal himself has yet to issue a statement confirming the defection.
"The armed forces welcomes this brave step taken by them and confirms that its doors remain open to all those who side with the national and the armed forces," the army said in a statement. "We also renew the amnesty of the head of the sovereignty council and commander in chief of the armed forces to any rebel that sides with the nation and reports to the nearest army base in all parts of Sudan."
The rebel RSF, which has secured control of portions of the country during the conflict, has not commented on the reported defection.
The conflict in Sudan has plunged the nation into a devastating humanitarian crisis, displacing over 10 million people, driving many to the brink of starvation, and resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The war has also strained regional stability and garnered international concern, with UN Secretory-General Antonio Guterres describing the situation in the North African country as the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Despite several temporary nationwide ceasefires since the fighting began on April 15, 2023, a lasting solution remains elusive.