Khartoum: Sudan's civil war has entered a new phase as the national army makes fresh gains in the western Darfur region, helped by a growing number of defections from the Rapid Support Forces, the powerful paramilitary group that has been fighting government troops for more than three years.
The latest developments have intensified tensions within the Rapid Support Forces, commonly known as the RSF, and raised questions about the group's unity at a time when the conflict continues to devastate large parts of the country.
According to reports from Sudan and international observers, several commanders and fighters linked to the RSF have recently switched allegiance to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The army has welcomed the defectors and is seeking to use their local influence and military knowledge to strengthen its position in Darfur, one of the regions most heavily affected by the war.
The defections have reportedly angered RSF leaders, who view them as a betrayal during a critical stage of the conflict. Analysts say the growing number of commanders leaving the group points to increasing dissatisfaction within the RSF ranks and could signal deeper divisions over military strategy, leadership and political goals.
The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023 after months of tension between army chief Abdel Fattah al Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti. What started as a struggle for power quickly expanded into a nationwide conflict that has displaced millions of people and pushed Sudan into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Darfur remains at the center of the fighting. The vast western region has witnessed some of the war's most intense battles and has become a key stronghold for the RSF. Last year, the paramilitary group achieved major victories in Darfur, capturing strategic towns and consolidating its control over large areas of territory.
However, recent developments suggest that the balance may be shifting. Military observers say the army has been rebuilding alliances with local armed groups and tribal leaders while encouraging RSF fighters to defect. These efforts appear to be yielding results, particularly in areas where local communities have become frustrated with the prolonged violence and instability.
Experts note that internal disagreements within the RSF have become more visible in recent months. Competition over resources, territorial control and command structures has reportedly created tensions among some commanders. The army is attempting to exploit these divisions as it seeks to regain lost ground.
Despite the army's recent gains, analysts caution that the conflict remains far from over. The RSF still controls significant territory across western Sudan and retains considerable military capabilities. Neither side appears close to securing a decisive victory, raising fears that the war could continue for many more months.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. The United Nations and international aid organizations have repeatedly warned that millions of Sudanese civilians face severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies. Large areas of Darfur and neighboring regions remain difficult for humanitarian workers to access because of ongoing fighting and insecurity.
Human rights groups have also expressed concern about accountability as commanders switch sides. They argue that allegations of war crimes and abuses committed during the conflict should be investigated regardless of whether former fighters join the army or remain with the RSF.
The international community has struggled to broker a lasting ceasefire despite repeated diplomatic efforts. Several regional and global powers have called for renewed peace talks, but negotiations have produced little progress as both sides continue military operations.
For many Sudanese civilians, the latest battlefield developments offer little immediate relief. Families across Darfur, Khartoum and other conflict zones continue to face displacement, economic hardship and insecurity. While the recent defections may strengthen the army's position, they also underline the complex and fragmented nature of a conflict that has already transformed Sudan's political and humanitarian landscape.
As fighting continues and alliances shift, the future of Sudan remains uncertain, with millions hoping that renewed pressure for negotiations can eventually bring an end to a war that has already exacted a devastating human cost.