RSF commander defects, joins Sudanese army, state media reports

A commander from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has defected and joined the Sudanese army, according to state media cited by Anadolu Agency.

The defecting commander said the decision followed tragedies he witnessed within the RSF, though the report did not elaborate on what specific events prompted his departure or provide his name, rank, or the unit he commanded.

The RSF has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Sudan's army since fighting broke out between the two forces, a war that has caused a large-scale humanitarian crisis and mass displacement across the country. Defections from either side have periodically been reported amid the conflict, though their overall impact on the balance of forces has varied.

It was not immediately clear how many fighters, if any, followed the commander in defecting, or how the RSF has responded to the reported defection. Sudanese army officials have not been quoted directly in the available report beyond the state media account.

The development comes amid continuing efforts by regional and international actors to broker an end to the conflict, which has persisted despite repeated ceasefire attempts.