RSF downplays defection of key commander in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state
October 20 2024 (TAMBUL, Al Jazirah State) – The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) downplayed the impact of the defection of its commander in Al Jazirah state, Abu Aqla Kikal, who joined the Sudanese army on Sunday, stating that he was under investigation.
The army spokesman announced on Sunday that Kikal joined the army and was granted the amnesty offered by the Sudanese army commander-in-chief to anyone leaving the RSF.
Ibrahim Mukhir, advisor to the RSF commander, told Sudan Tribune that Kikal was facing investigation for alleged violations and disobeying orders that previously endangered his troops. Additionally, the death of a key commander in the Blue Nile state cast suspicion on Kikal, who allegedly revealed the location of RSF commander Abdulrahman al-Bayshi to the army, leading to his death.
“It seems the man did not want to wait for the results of the investigations or face the facts, so he fled to the other side,” Mukhir said.
Mukhir denied that Kikal possessed any sensitive information, explaining that he left with only his personal guard, several vehicles, and a few soldiers.
He added that the core of Kikal’s forces did not join him and fought bravely in Tambul, east of Gezira state, to thwart a trap Kikal attempted to lead them into on Sunday morning. They were victorious, capturing and killing many enemy soldiers and seizing combat vehicles, according to Mukhir.
He stressed that RSF morale in Gezira state remains high and that another commander will be appointed.
The RSF spokesman said in a statement that they had recently observed suspicious movements by Kikal after he went into hiding with family members and his interactions with leaders of the dissolved National Congress Party.
The statement asserted that Kikal was bought in a deal led by his brother through meetings in Gedaref and Port Sudan, culminating in a bargain that stipulated his surrender to the army in exchange for anticipated military and intelligence work. However, the RSF had already implemented countermeasures, according to the statement.
The spokesman explained that after Kikal joined the army, a large army force joined him in an attempt to take control of the Tambul area. The RSF repelled the attack in Tambul, inflicting heavy losses, including killing more than 200 soldiers and seizing 45 combat vehicles with all their equipment.
The statement assured that the RSF had worked proactively to close gaps and implement military and intelligence measures to maintain control, ensure security, and protect civilians.
“This fleeting event will not change the reality, and we call for ignoring the rumours spread by the remnants, which will not achieve victory for them on the ground,” the statement concluded.