CAIRO: Sudan’s army said on Sunday a commander from its foe the Rapid Support Forces had defected with some of his troops, the first such move by a senior figure since the two sides went to war more than 18 months ago.
Supporters of the army posted photos online purporting to show Abuagla Keikal — a former army officer who became the RSF’s top commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira — after he had defected.
The RSF later published a statement alleging that Keikal had switched sides after a “deal,” and saying that it had inflicted losses on the forces that defected with him in the east of El Gezira state, where Keikal is from.
The army, which has recently reported gains against the RSF in parts of the capital, said Keikal had decided to make the move because of the RSF’s “destructive agenda.”
There was no immediate comment from Keikal, who was a military intelligence officer before the war.
The RSF has seized control of large parts of Sudan in a conflict with the army that the United Nations says has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The war has displaced more than 10 million people, driven parts of the country to extreme hunger or famine, and drawn in foreign powers that have given both sides material support.
It began in April 2023 when tensions between the RSF and the army, who had been jostling for position ahead of an internationally backed transition to civilian rule, erupted into open conflict.
The army and the RSF had previously shared power after staging a coup in 2021, two years after veteran autocrat Omar Al-Bashir was toppled in a popular uprising.
Sudanese army reports first defection of a senior RSF commander
https://arab.news/bxejp
Sudanese army reports first defection of a senior RSF commander
- The army said Keikal had decided to make the move because of his former force’s “destructive agenda”
- There was no immediate comment from the RSF which has seized control of large parts of the country in a conflict with the military
Gulf countries offer support to Yemen’s legitimate government, Saudi security
- Qatar, Kuwait say their security is based on the security of Saudi Arabia and the GCC
- Bahrain said it had confidence in the leadership of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to contain differences
LONDON: Gulf and Arab countries on Tuesday offered support to the internationally recognized government in Yemen after the UAE withdrew its forces from the country.
The statements were issued after the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government carried out airstrikes on a shipment of weapons and vehicles destined for southern separatist forces.
The shipment arrived in the port of Mukalla on board two vessels from Fujairah in the UAE.
The Emirates was asked by Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s presidential council, to withdraw its troops from Yemen within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabia said the separatists, operating under the Southern Transitional Council and supported by the UAE, posed a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security and regional stability by recently seizing territory in the governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra.
Qatar said it was following the developments “with keen interest.”
A foreign ministry statement said Doha fully supported the legitimate Yemeni government and stressed the importance of preserving Yemen's unity and safeguarding the interests of the Yemeni people.
It added that the security of Saudi Arabia and the security of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) “constitute an inseparable part of the security of the State of Qatar, reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal ties and shared destiny that unite the GCC states.”
The ministry commended the statements issued by Saudi Arabia and the UAE “which reflect a commitment to prioritizing the interests of the region.”
Kuwait also offered “unwavering support” for Yemen’s government and said the security of Saudi Arabia and GCC is the basis of its own national security.
Its foreign ministry praised the “responsible approach” taken by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Bahrain, the current GCC chair, said it had confidence in the leadership of Saudi Arabia and the UAE “and their ability to contain any differences in viewpoints within the framework of a unified Gulf.”
The foreign ministry statement offered “unequivocal” support toward regional and international initiatives and efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and lasting political solution in Yemen.
Egypt said it had full confidence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE “to handle the current developments in Yemen with wisdom.”
Cairo will continue efforts toward a comprehensive political settlement for Yemen, the statement said.
