# Sudan: Fourth High-Ranking Defection Hits Rapid Support Forces General Siddiq Abdelrahman Ander joins the Sudanese army, citing nepotism within the paramilitary leadership. - **Source:** [RFI – Afrique](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/15b84e0f-244e-4ba7-bd7d-2b0d4e598bd8 ## Strategic Military Shift General Siddiq Abdelrahman Ander has officially defected from the Rapid Support Forces to join the Sudanese regular army. This move involves over 200 soldiers and 40 vehicles in North Darfur. The defection occurs near the Chadian border, a critical region that could significantly disrupt the paramilitary group's existing supply lines. ## Accusations of Nepotism Ander publicly criticized General Hemetti for operating the paramilitary group like a private family business. He claims that the Dagalo family monopolizes key military and economic positions. This internal power structure reportedly prioritizes relatives for promotions, weapons, and financial resources, fueling deep resentment among the broader ranks of the fighters. ## Family-Controlled Command The Dagalo family maintains a tight grip on the organization's hierarchy. Abdel Hamdan Dagalo serves as the second-in-command, while Musa Hamdan Dagalo manages the group's financial networks. This concentration of power extends to the control of gold mining and trade operations, which serve as the primary economic engine for the paramilitary. ## Pattern of Discontent This event marks the fourth high-ranking defection within the last three months, signaling growing instability. Previous transfuges, such as Mohamed al Fangari, have corroborated claims of discriminatory treatment. Reports suggest that clan members receive superior medical care abroad, while non-affiliated wounded fighters are frequently abandoned in conflict zones like Nyala. ## Internal Repression Tactics General Ander revealed that internal dissent is met with severe consequences, including threats of imprisonment for those who challenge the leadership. This atmosphere of fear suggests that the recent string of departures is likely the tip of the iceberg regarding dissatisfaction within the ranks of the paramilitary forces currently fighting the army. ## Context of Civil War The ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese regular army has persisted for over three years. These defections represent a significant blow to the paramilitary's cohesion. As the war continues, the ability of the leadership to maintain loyalty among its diverse commanders remains a critical factor for survival. ## Operational Impact Analysis The loss of a high-ranking general in a strategic province like North Darfur complicates the paramilitary's logistical operations. By shifting his forces to the regular army, Ander provides General al-Burhan with a tactical advantage. Such defections weaken the paramilitary's territorial control and may encourage further desertions among other disillusioned field commanders. ## Future Conflict Outlook The recurring pattern of high-level departures highlights a potential fracture in the paramilitary's command structure. Observers are now monitoring whether these defections will lead to a broader collapse of the organization's internal unity. The outcome of this internal strife could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the long-standing civil war in Sudan. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20261108-soudan-nouvelle-d%C3%A9fection-d-un-haut-grad%C3%A9-dans-les-rangs-des-fsr-la-quatri%C3%A8me-en-trois-mois — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._