Sudan's Army Allies Defect to RSF in Darfur

The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Friday the defection of forces from the “Sudan Liberation Movement” led by the Governor of Darfur, Minni Arko Minawi, and the “Justice and Equality Movement” led by Jibril Ibrahim. 

These forces have joined the RSF in the Darfur region.

As reported on the "X" platform, the defected forces from the Sudan Liberation Movement are led by the movement's Inspector, Colonel Ali Jabal Moon. 

Additionally, forces from the Justice and Equality Movement have also announced their allegiance to the RSF in West Darfur State.

Previously, factions from both the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement had joined the RSF after breaking away from the movements led by the Governor of the Darfur region and the Sudanese Minister of Finance. 

They had initially declared their support for the army in its conflict against the RSF.

The RSF has succeeded in extending its control over the entire Darfur region, except for the city of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. 

This followed fierce battles with the Sudanese army in Nyala, Zalingei, Geneina, and Ed Daein.

El Fasher is currently experiencing complex security conditions. Amidst the RSF siege, armed movements are spreading within its streets, declaring their readiness to fight alongside the Sudanese army. 

This has raised concerns that these developments might push the region into open ethnic conflict.

The city hosts the headquarters of the Sudanese Army's Sixth Division, the only remaining division out of the original five military divisions in the Darfur region, after the other four fell into the hands of the RSF.