A group of 318 fighters from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has defected and joined the Sudanese army, according to Sudanese authorities, in another reported setback for the paramilitary group as the country’s devastating war continues.
The group reportedly includes four commanders and arrived in Sudan’s Northern State with as many as 50 combat vehicles. The fighters announced their decision to join the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Al-Dabba locality.
The latest development comes as the conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF continues into its fourth year. The war, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread destruction, displaced millions of people and created one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.
Sudanese authorities have portrayed the latest defections as evidence of growing difficulties within the RSF. Border Guards commander Mohamed Saleh Younes welcomed those who had chosen to return to the army and said the armed forces would continue efforts to restore security across the country.
The reported leader of the defectors, Lieutenant-Colonel Musa Ali Ahmed, attributed their decision to what he described as a lack of institutional structures within the RSF.
He reportedly said the group decided to join the army in the interest of preserving Sudan’s unity.
The latest group is not the first large number of RSF personnel to switch sides. Sudanese authorities announced last week that another 300 RSF personnel, including 21 commanders, had defected and joined the country’s armed forces.
The repeated defections could potentially affect the RSF’s manpower and command structure, particularly if senior officers and experienced fighters continue to leave the organisation.
The RSF has faced several high-profile defections in recent months. Among those previously reported to have switched sides are senior figures including Major-General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, a prominent commander who joined the Sudanese army earlier in 2026.
Despite the reported defections, the conflict remains active across several parts of Sudan. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF has continued in areas including Darfur and the Kordofan regions, while both sides have sought to strengthen their positions.
The war began following escalating tensions between the army and the RSF over the future political and security structure of Sudan, including disagreements over the integration of the paramilitary force into the regular military.
The prolonged conflict has had devastating consequences for civilians. Millions of Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes, while access to food, healthcare and other essential services has been severely disrupted.
The latest defections therefore come against a backdrop of continuing military confrontation and a worsening humanitarian situation.
For the Sudanese army, the arrival of hundreds of former RSF fighters could provide additional personnel as it continues its campaign against the paramilitary organisation.
For the RSF, however, the departure of fighters and commanders represents another challenge as it attempts to maintain its military capabilities amid ongoing fighting.
It remains unclear whether the latest defections will lead to further departures from the RSF or significantly alter the balance of power in the conflict.
For now, Sudan’s army has welcomed the defectors and said its doors remain open to those who choose to return to its ranks.
The latest development adds another significant chapter to Sudan’s prolonged conflict, with both military forces continuing to fight for control and influence while millions of civilians remain caught in the crisis.
Source: Thepressradio.com
