A prominent military leader within Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces has abandoned the paramilitary organization to join the nation’s regular army, marking a significant development as the country’s brutal civil conflict continues into its fourth year.
Army leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan publicly welcomed Maj. Gen. al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also called al-Qubba, who switched allegiances earlier this month. The sovereign council shared footage on social platforms of Burhan meeting with Adam in Sudan’s Northern province near the Egyptian border.
“Doors are open to all those who lay down arms and join the path of national reconstruction,” stated Burhan, who leads the sovereign council.
The Rapid Support Forces have remained silent regarding Adam’s departure.
According to regional news sources, Adam escaped from RSF-controlled territory in Darfur this month, bringing with him dozens of fighters and military equipment when he joined government forces.
The Sudan Tribune reported that Adam’s departure followed disagreements with RSF leadership, particularly their decision not to name him military commander of North Darfur province after the group captured el-Fasher city in October, which had been the army’s final stronghold in Darfur.
Adam represents one of the highest-ranking officials to abandon the paramilitaries since fighting began. Last year, Abu Aqla Kaikel, commander of the Sudan Shield Forces, also left the RSF when government troops recaptured the strategically important Gezira province.
Sudan’s conflict erupted in April 2023 when tensions between military leaders and the RSF escalated into armed combat throughout Khartoum and other regions of the vast nation.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project estimates the fighting has claimed at least 59,000 lives, though the U.S.-based monitoring organization acknowledges this figure likely underrepresents the actual death toll due to reporting challenges.
