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Sudan Army Gains Dozens of Fighters as RSF Commanders Defect
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Sudan Army Gains Dozens of Fighters as RSF Commanders Defect

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Dozens of fighters led by General Musa Khamsin defected from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to join the army.
  • The defections raise questions about the RSF's internal stability and the potential for broader military and political erosion.
  • The army is taking steps to integrate former RSF members, with procedures including oaths and administrative arrangements.

Dozens of fighters led by General Musa Khamsin have defected from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), joining the army in the latest of several recent defections involving field commanders and fighters. These departures are prompting questions about the RSF's internal stability and whether they signal the beginning of significant military and political erosion or are manageable losses.

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.

— Musa KhamsinDescribing his group's journey after defecting from the RSF.

Khamsin stated his group came from North Darfur and was assisted by Major General al-Nour Ahmed al-Qubba, a prominent RSF defector. Khamsin cited disappointment with the RSF's "Tasis project," explaining that his group initially believed it would establish a new state but later changed their minds. Al-Qubba welcomed Khamsin and his fighters, anticipating more defections and urging RSF fighters in Darfur and Kordofan to join the army.

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.

— Musa KhamsinExplaining the assistance received from a prominent RSF defector.

The army is actively integrating former RSF members. This week, it announced the completion of the first phase of procedures to regularize the status of those joining its ranks. This process includes taking an oath and finalizing security and administrative arrangements before deployment. The army has not disclosed the number of individuals involved. Major General al-Walid Abdel Qader Ajabna, director of the army’s Administration Branch, welcomed the defectors, commending their decision to "side with the state."

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

— Major General al-Nour Ahmed al-QubbaWelcoming defectors and calling for more to join the army.

This trend has seen several significant departures. In October 2024, Abu Aqla Keikel, a senior RSF commander, defected. In April, Major General al-Nour al-Qubba, a prominent Darfur commander, joined the army, claiming he was the "third man" in the RSF and left with three groups, their vehicles, and equipment. The defections have also extended to political circles, with Faris al-Nour, a former RSF commander's adviser and member of the Tasis alliance's Presidential Council, resigning from his posts.

side with the state

— Major General al-Walid Abdel Qader AjabnaPraising the decision of defectors to join the army.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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