Top RSF commander defects, joins Sudanese army

Senior commander deserts after clashes in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) — A senior commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of human rights abuses in Sudan’s Darfur region, has defected and joined the regular army, the military said Thursday.

The defection of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemeti,” is a significant blow to the RSF, which has been a key player in the conflict in Darfur. Hemeti is a close ally of President Omar al-Bashir, who has been in power for 30 years.

The military said in a statement that Hemeti defected after clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese army in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. The statement did not provide details of the clashes, but said that Hemeti and his forces had joined the army’s 16th Division.

Analysts say the defection could be a sign of growing discontent within the RSF

Analysts say that Hemeti’s defection could be a sign of growing discontent within the RSF. The group has been accused of carrying out human rights abuses in Darfur, including rape, torture, and killing. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Bashir for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

Hemeti’s defection could also weaken Bashir’s grip on power. The RSF has been a key pillar of Bashir’s regime, and its defection could embolden other groups to challenge the government.

The defection comes at a time of increasing instability in Sudan. The country has been rocked by protests in recent months, and the economy is in crisis. Bashir has been in power for 30 years, and there are growing calls for him to step down.