Hundreds of RSF Fighters Defect to Sudanese Army

The Sudanese Army has absorbed hundreds of fighters and senior commanders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as the conflict between the two factions enters its fourth year. In a recent wave of defections, 318 RSF personnel, including four commanders and 50 combat vehicles, joined the army in the Al-Dabba locality of Northern State. This followed a similar defection of 300 personnel the previous week.

High-profile defectors include Major General al-Nour Ahmed al-Qubba and General Musa Khamsin, the latter of whom led dozens of fighters from North Darfur. Defectors cited racism, a lack of institutional structure, and disappointment with the RSF-led Sudan Founding Alliance as primary motives for switching sides. The army has initiated formal integration procedures, including security screenings and oaths of allegiance, to leverage the resulting gains in manpower and intelligence.

In response to the instability, RSF commander Major General Ahmed Qajja warned of a fifth column within the paramilitary group, suggesting that up to 50% of political advisers may be disloyal. Despite these internal losses, the RSF continues to maintain the capacity to launch military attacks in Blue Nile and North Kordofan.