RSF Commander ‘El Safana’ Announces Defection, Denies Joining Sudanese Army

What happened

Local Sudanese outlet Radio Dabanga reports that Ali Rizqallah, known as ‘El Safana’, a field commander in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announced his defection from the paramilitary group in a video posted on social media. In his statement, El Safana said he is aligning himself with the Sudanese people but denied media rumors that he had joined the Sudanese Armed Forces, which remain unconfirmed.

El Safana gave few details about his decision, describing his position ambiguously: “We are neither advocates of war nor advocates of peace,” and hinting that further developments are forthcoming. These remarks come amid weeks of speculation regarding his loyalty, especially after the departure of another senior RSF figure, El Nur El Qubba, in April.

In earlier recordings, El Safana justified El Qubba’s defection by criticizing the RSF’s leadership culture, alleging that access to resources like medical treatment, vehicles, and fuel was uneven and depended on favor with top leaders. His Unit 296 recently operated in West Kordofan, having redeployed from one of the war’s fiercest fronts in El Fasher, Darfur. This area is a critical flashpoint in the wider conflict.

Known from the source

• Ali Rizqallah, aka ‘El Safana’, is a commander in the RSF who announced defection on social media.
• El Safana denies that he has joined the Sudanese Armed Forces.
• He cited unequal treatment within RSF ranks, including inadequate access to medical treatment and resources.
• His Unit 296 operated in West Kordofan after moving from El Fasher.
• Other RSF commanders from his unit have publicly reaffirmed loyalty to the RSF.

What remains unclear

Radio Dabanga notes attempts by the RSF to counteract signs of fragmentation by releasing videos and audio with commanders from El Safana’s unit reaffirming allegiance to the paramilitary force, emphasizing sacrifices made. El Safana himself has a complex RSF history, having been detained by the RSF in 2017 and released only at the outbreak of the current conflict, after which he joined fighting forces allied with the RSF.

What remains unclear: Verify authenticity and date of El Safana’s video statement. Confirm current affiliation of El Safana, including if defection is full or partial. Corroborate claims of RSF leadership inequality and related complaints. Check for additional defections from RSF units, especially in Darfur and West Kordofan.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Radio Dabanga. Open the source.