In recent developments within Sudan’s ongoing conflict, a notable defection from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) brings to light the complex dynamics of power and dissent within the group. Siddiq Ander, a senior RSF commander, has openly criticized the leadership of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” accusing him of transforming the RSF into a family-run enterprise that suppresses any challenge to authority. This breach in loyalty marks a pivotal moment, shedding light on the internal strife as well as the dire humanitarian impact of the conflict.
In an exclusive video obtained by ZezapTV, senior commander Siddiq Ander declared his defection from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), citing disturbing revelations about the organization’s internal governance. Ander accuses RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as “Hemedti,” and his relatives of monopolizing control over financial resources, weaponry, troop movements, and promotions within the group. This alarming insider perspective highlights the organizational structure that prioritizes familial loyalty over merit and transparency.
Ander’s defection is part of a broader trend, as numerous senior commanders have left the RSF in recent months, often bringing hundreds of fighters with them. He emphasized the pervasive atmosphere of fear within the RSF, stating, “Anyone who speaks out and tells the whole truth faces expulsion, imprisonment, or a hidden death.” Such statements expose the lengths to which the leadership will go to maintain a grip on power, portraying a chilling reality for those questioning authority.
The wave of defections includes Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Azraq al-Fanjari, who, on October 8, announced his resignation alongside 300 officers and soldiers, as well as 30 military vehicles. Al-Fanjari expressed deep remorse for the suffering engendered by the ongoing conflict. In a separate instance, Al-Tayeb al-Wahidu defected to the rival Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on September 25, citing abuses he witnessed within the RSF as the catalyst for his departure.
Earlier this year, Brigadier Ali Rizqallah and Major General al-Nour Ahmed Adam also defected, the latter receiving a public welcome from Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. These high-profile departures were fueled by internal disagreements regarding military appointments and control over the RSF’s direction, indicating a growing lack of confidence in Hemedti’s leadership.
The conflict in Sudan, which ignited in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the RSF and the national army, has resulted in the displacement of around 13 million people and has pushed many into famine conditions. In the latest developments, both sides are increasingly relying on drone strikes, which have led to a harrowing rise in civilian casualties. A troubling attack on October 26 targeted a market and residential area in Nyala, an RSF-controlled city in South Darfur, resulting in over 100 reported deaths according to Emergency Lawyers, although other medical sources have provided lower figures. The United Nations has noted that drone strikes have emerged as the primary cause of civilian fatalities in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
This situation continues to develop, with the humanitarian crisis deepening and the dynamics of power remaining precarious as internal rifts within the RSF and rising humanitarian concerns intertwine.
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