RSF downplays loss of key commander, vows to continue fighting in Sudan
June 14, 2024 (EL FASHER) – The Sudanese army announced Friday the death of Ali Yaqoub, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Operations Commander in North Darfur, during an attack on El Fasher. The RSF downplayed the loss, asserting that his death would not affect their morale or determination to fight.
Joint forces in the Darfur region published photos and videos of Yaqoub’s body, which the Sudanese army later transported to their headquarters. Also, El Fasher residents celebrated the death of the RSF figure.
Yaqoub, who commanded the Central Darfur sector, was a close associate of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. He led numerous military operations throughout Darfur, particularly in the absence of the RSF’s second-in-command, Abdel Rahim Daglo.
The high-ranking RSF commander’s death occurred less than 24 hours after the UN Security Council resolution demanding that the RSF end its siege on El Fasher, cease fighting, and de-escalate tensions in the city and surrounding areas.
Sudanese Armed Forces spokesman Nabil Abdallah, in a statement received by Sudan Tribune, said, “The army and joint forces thwarted an attack by the RSF this morning, inflicting heavy losses, including hundreds of dead and wounded, among them their criminal commander Ali Yaqoub.”
Abdallah emphasized that the attack on El Fasher directly challenged the recent UN Security Council call for a cessation of hostilities and the lifting of the siege on the historic capital of Darfur.
A field commander within the Joint Force of Darfur armed groups informed Sudan Tribune that their troops eliminated Yaqoub and his companions as they attempted to infiltrate El Fasher from the south with a large force comprising vehicles, motorcycles, and infantry.
He stated that their forces engaged in a fierce battle with the attacking force near the livestock market, one of the largest markets in El Fasher, and neutralized the entire group.
The commander further revealed that Yaqoub had addressed his forces the day before, declaring their intention to pray Friday prayers at the Khatim Al-Anbiya Mosque in the North Darfur capital and overrun joint forces’ positions at the livestock market and its surroundings.
Joint Forces spokesman Ahmed Hussein Mustafa reported that approximately 1,000 RSF fighters were killed in the attack, including Ali Yaqoub, a key figure overseeing operations in El Fasher and a leader of the notorious Janjaweed militia in Darfur.
Mustafa stated that their forces destroyed over 60 RSF military vehicles, captured roughly 40 more in good condition, destroyed seven armoured vehicles, and three supply and ammunition transporters, and apprehended about 43 RSF members.
He declared that Ali Yaqoub’s death signifies a major blow to the RSF and represents retribution for the countless innocent civilians who have been killed and terrorized by the militia since the start of the conflict.
Ali Yaqoub had previously maintained a positive relationship with the army’s General Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, having collaborated in the Border Guard Forces in Zalingei. He even attempted to mediate between al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo before the war broke out on April 15, 2023.
Several RSF advisors confirmed Ali Yaqoub’s death. Al-Basha Mohamed Tbaeq announced Yaqoub’s demise on X, formerly Twitter, stating that he died “leading the brave and advancing the ranks towards liberating the 6th Infantry Division from al-Burhan’s militia and mercenary movements.” Another RSF adviser Abdallah Imran echoed this sentiment on Al Jazeera TV, asserting that “the cause will not die with Ali Yaqoub’s martyrdom,” and that even if the RSF general commander were to be killed, the fight would continue.
Yaqoub, who initially served as a Border Guard Forces commander fighting alongside the Sudanese army in the first Darfur war, defected in 2007 following a disagreement with then-leader Musa Hilal, mirroring Abdel Rahim Daglo’s earlier defection.
Joining the RSF in 2014 as a captain, Yaqoub’s rapid ascent saw him become the third most influential figure in the paramilitary group, after Abdel Rahim Daglo. Sudanese researcher Mohamed al-Badawi believes his death will significantly impact the RSF’s relations with the tribal leaders he oversaw.
Al-Badawi highlights that Yaqoub’s demise leaves a leadership vacuum in managing the RSF’s relationships with crucial tribal leaders in Darfur, including Sultan Saad Bahar-Eddin of the Massalit, Musa Hilal, the leader of the Mahameed, and Sawsan, the Amir of the Mahariya, a tribal branch of Daglo’s family.
The RSF heavily depends on these tribal leaders for fighter recruitment. Underscoring this reliance, Ali Yaqoub made an audio call just two days before his death, urging supportive tribal leaders to send reinforcements.
(ST)