Sudan Civil War: RSF Commander Defects Amid Power Struggle
- Reports
- 15
- Developments
- 10
- Repetition
- 60%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
An RSF commander defected from Hemedti’s forces on October 31, 2026, accusing Hemedti of tightly controlling the group’s finances, weapons, and promotions. Separately, Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Azraq al-Fanjari defected from the RSF to the Sudanese Armed Forces, bringing 300 fighters and 30 military vehicles. Meanwhile, Abdul Wahid Nour rejected the participation of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti in future government roles, calling for a civilian-led structure.
Why it matters
The defections and the political rejection of military leaders highlight internal fractures within Sudan's political and military structure. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has stated that the Sudanese Armed Forces will not negotiate with the RSF, pledging to continue military operations.
The conflict is escalating between Hemedti and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, amid reports of massive displacement in Sudan.
Who's involved
- SudanThe geopolitical state experiencing the civil war and humanitarian crisis.
- Sudanese Armed ForcesThe primary military institution of Sudan, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
- Abdel Fattah al-BurhanThe dominant military and political leader of Sudan and commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
- HemedtiThe leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, facing internal challenges.
- SAFThe military force engaged in the ongoing civil conflict with rival groups.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Civil war in Sudan threatens World Food Programme operationsThe civil war in Sudan severely restricts the World Food Programme's ability to deliver aid.Already happening
- Sudan conflict pushes refugees into Chad, heightening border risksSudan's civil war drives refugees into Chad, straining border resourcesLikely
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.An RSF commander defected from Hemedti’s forces during the ongoing conflict.1 source
- A group in Kordofan, a region of Sudan, has aligned itself with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's government.Sub-event
Coup led by Burhan and Hemedti derails Sudan's political transition.1 source
Defections occurred in Omdurman as the conflict continues in Sudan.1 source
- The civil war in Sudan is rooted in the power struggle between Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti, specifically concerning the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the SAF.Sub-event
Chad accuses Sudan's army of air strikes while fighting continues in Kordofan.1 source
- The Sudanese Armed Forces held an anniversary celebration that provided a platform for making a pledge.Sub-event
Qatar is accused of backing the SAF, intensifying the power struggle against Hemedti's RSF.1 source
Show 2 earlier steps
- The civil war in Sudan involves the SAF, with El-Obeid besieged amid the power struggle between Burhan and Hemedti. The conflict's roots and refugee flows are detailed.Sub-event
El-Obeid is besieged as the civil war between Burhan and Hemedti escalates.1 source
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Sudan
country in Northeast Africa
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Sudanese Armed Forces
Armed forces of Sudan
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Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
President of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan
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Hemedti
Sudanese general
Nothing else this week.
Related events
- The Sudanese Armed Forces are engaged in attritional fighting in central Sudan, with Khartoum serving as a key operational area.
- Sudanese Armed Forces accuse Ethiopia of direct aggression, while Egypt is noted as SAF's biggest supporter.
- Save the Children operates in Sudan, where El-Obeid is identified as a strategic city.
- Conflict in Sudan involves border clashes with Chad, instability in West Darfur, and RSF offensive threatening El-Obeid city.
- Joint meetings began at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa to address Sudan's political crisis.
Coverage
Newest first; wire copies grouped- aljazeera.com
- arabnews.com
- africaleader.com
- africa.com
- arabnews.com
- riotimesonline.com
- africanews.com
- aawsat.com
- cajnewsafrica.com
- newindianexpress.com
- cnn.com