Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have suffered another setback after 318 of its fighters, including four commanders, reportedly defected and joined the Sudanese army.
The defectors arrived in Al-Dabba locality in Northern State, reportedly bringing as many as 50 combat vehicles with them, according to Sudanese authorities.
The latest development comes as the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF continues into its fourth year, with fighting causing widespread destruction and a major humanitarian crisis across the country.
Defectors Join Sudanese Army
Border Guards commander Mohamed Saleh Younes welcomed the group and said those returning to the army would be received.
He said Sudanese forces would continue working to restore security and stability across the country.
Lieutenant-Colonel Musa Ali Ahmed, identified as the leader of the defectors, said the decision to leave the RSF was influenced by what he described as weaknesses in the paramilitary group’s organisational and institutional structure.
He said the group ultimately decided that joining the army was in the best interest of preserving Sudan’s unity.
More RSF Members Leave
The latest defection follows another reported mass departure last week involving about 300 RSF personnel, including 21 commanders, who also joined the Sudanese army.
Several prominent RSF figures have reportedly left the organisation in recent months, including political adviser Fares al-Nour, field commander Ali Rizqallah and Major-General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam.
The growing defections could create additional pressure on the RSF as the army attempts to strengthen its position on several battlefronts.
War Continues Across Sudan
The conflict began in April 2023 following a power struggle between Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.
Fighting has since spread across large parts of Sudan, including Darfur, Blue Nile and the Kordofan region.
The prolonged conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises.
Fresh Challenge for RSF
The arrival of hundreds of former RSF fighters and dozens of military vehicles could provide the Sudanese army with additional manpower and equipment as it seeks to expand its military advantage.
For the RSF, the continued defections could further weaken its forces and expose divisions within its ranks.
With no lasting political settlement in sight, the latest developments suggest that both sides remain focused on strengthening their military positions as the devastating conflict continues.
