Are Defections Eroding Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces From Within?

A group of dozens of fighters, led by General Musa Khamsin, has defected from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and joined the national army. This latest move is part of a growing trend of defections in recent months, which have included field commanders, fighters, and political officials associated with the RSF-aligned Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis).

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after reaching army-held territory, his group had come from North Darfur and that Major General al-Nour Ahmed al-Qubba, one of the most prominent RSF defectors, had helped them reach Khartoum.

The ongoing defections are prompting scrutiny into the internal dynamics of the RSF. Analysts are questioning whether these departures signal the beginning of significant military and political erosion within the paramilitary group, or if they represent manageable losses that RSF leadership can contain. General Khamsin stated that his group, originating from North Darfur, was aided in reaching army-controlled territory by Major General al-Nour Ahmed al-Qubba, a prominent RSF defector. Khamsin also cited disillusionment with the Tasis project, expressing that their initial belief in establishing a new state had been replaced by a different conclusion.

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I expected more commanders and forces to defect. I urge RSF fighters in Darfur and Kordofan to join the army.

Major General al-Nour al-Qubba, welcoming Khamsin and his fighters, anticipates further defections from commanders and forces, urging RSF fighters in Darfur and Kordofan to align with the army. The Sudanese army is actively working to absorb these defectors. On Wednesday, the army announced the completion of the first phase of procedures to formalize the status of those who have joined its ranks. This process involved taking an oath and finalizing security and administrative arrangements before redeployment.

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side with the state

Notable defections this year include Abu Aqla Keikel, commander of the Sudan Shield forces and a senior RSF commander for Gezira state, who joined the army in October 2024. Major General al-Nour al-Qubba, a key RSF commander in Darfur, also defected in April, reportedly bringing three groups with their vehicles and equipment. The trend has extended to other states, with defections reported in Kordofan, Blue Nile, and even within the RSF's political sphere, such as the resignation of Faris al-Nour, a former advisor to the RSF commander.

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racism and the absence of a cause or purpose for the war.