Sudanese Army Gains Senior RSF Commander Defection

In a significant development in Sudan's ongoing conflict, Abu Agla Keikal, a senior commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has defected to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) along with a number of his troops. This defection is viewed as a substantial setback for the RSF, which has maintained control over large areas since the conflict erupted in April 2023. The SAF hailed Keikal's decision as a pivotal moment, emphasizing the ongoing military operations aimed at reclaiming territories from the RSF. Following negotiations involving military leaders and tribal figures, Keikal's shift signals a potential change in the balance of power in central Sudan. The conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, displacing over ten million people and leading many regions towards famine. As the SAF encourages other RSF members to defect, the situation remains fluid amidst ongoing military engagements.