The reported defection comes as Sudan’s military makes an attempt to push again its former ally, the RSF paramilitary group.
Sudan’s navy mentioned on Sunday {that a} commander of its enemy Speedy Assist Forces (RSF) had defected with a few of his troops, in what can be the primary such transfer by a senior determine for the reason that events started preventing greater than 18 months in the past.
There was no fast remark from RSF, which has taken management of enormous areas of the nation in a battle with the military that the United Nations says has brought about one of many world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Military supporters posted images on-line purportedly exhibiting Abuagla Keikal – a former military officer who grew to become the RSF’s prime commander within the southeastern state of El Gezira – after he had defected.
The military, which has just lately made good points in opposition to the RSF in elements of the capital Khartoum, mentioned Keikal had determined to take the motion due to the “harmful agenda” of his former pressure.
He didn’t go into additional element and there was no assertion, printed or video, from Keikal.
The military has additionally claimed a breakthrough in Sennar state in southeastern Sudan, close to the border with Ethiopia, opening a provide route from japanese Sudan to the south.
Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, mentioned Keikal was essentially the most senior RSF commander in El Gezira state.
“[The army] He mentioned another RSF fighter who desires to come back and be part of the military can achieve this,” Morgan mentioned.
The battle has displaced greater than 10 million individuals, pushed elements of the nation into excessive hunger or famine, and attracted overseas powers which have offered materials help to either side.
It started in April 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the navy, which had been jostling for place forward of an internationally backed transition to civilian rule, erupted into open battle.
The military and RSF had beforehand shared energy after staging a coup in 2021, two years after veteran chief Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a well-liked rebellion.