Top militia commander switches sides in war-torn African state
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has announced that a senior commander of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left the faction and joined the army, along with several of his troops. The two sides have been involved in a brutal war in the northeastern African state for over 18 months.
Abu Aqla Muhammad Ahmed Kikil, the RSF’s commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira, reportedly became the first senior figure to make the move since the outbreak of hostilities last year.
In a statement on Sunday, the SAF commended Kikil and a “large number” of his forces for making the “brave” decision to leave the “terrorist” group – whose agenda is to destroy the country – and “fight alongside” the national army.
The army said it welcomes the move, adding that its doors “will remain open to anyone who sides with the nation and surrenders to the nearest military unit.”
“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,” it added.
SAF announced on Sunday that a senior commander from RSF has defected with some troops, marking the first high-profile defection in the ongoing conflict. The army claims the commander, Abuagla Keikal, left due to the RSF’s “destructive agenda.” The RSF has yet to comment on the… pic.twitter.com/vbANJJEEoT
— SENA (@SudanSena) October 21, 2024
The RSF responded by rejecting the army’s claim that Kikil defected due to its destructive agenda. The paramilitary group said in a statement cited by Reuters that the official switched sides following a deal.
The BBC also cited military sources as saying that the former RSF leader and his fighters surrendered following months of negotiations with the army.
The defection comes as fighting between the factions continues on multiple fronts, with the RSF reportedly seizing control of large portions of Sudan’s territory.
The UN says the conflict, which has gone on since mid-April 2023, has resulted in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to a recent report by a UN fact-finding mission, tens of thousands of people in the African state have been killed or injured. Nearly 8 million people in the country of approximately 47 million are internally displaced, with another 2 million forced into neighboring countries as refugees.
Several peace talks, including those mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US, have failed to bring the warring factions to agree to a complete ceasefire. Both have vowed to pursue victory.
