High-ranking SLA-AW commander defects, forms pro-SAF faction

KHARTOUM – A senior commander of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) led by Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, commonly referred to as SLM/SLA (AW), has announced his defection, forming a new faction within the group.

Major-General Salah Mustafa Abdelrahim Abdelshafi, also known as Salah Jok, declared his alignment with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in its ongoing war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a statement issued last week.

The new faction, named the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army – Call of the Homeland (SLM/A-CH), is committed to fighting alongside the SAF to confront the RSF, which Salah accused of perpetrating atrocities against civilians.

The SLM/A, established in 2000 as Darfur Liberation Movement/Army before rebranding in February 2003, has experienced numerous splits. This is the sixth major division, and it has around six existing factions including the SLM-MM under the leadership of Darfur governor Minni Arko Minnawi.

Salah accused Abdelwahid of ignoring calls to support the SAF against the RSF. He said the decision to defect had been made with the consensus of senior fighters.

“We are sons of this precious homeland,” Salah said in his statement. “As everyone knows, the movement has endured harsh circumstances, persevered, and sacrificed everything for the sake of securing the rights of this noble and resilient people.”

Salah cited the RSF’s alleged atrocities, including mass killings and genocide, as reasons for breaking away. He said neutrality was no longer a viable position.

“The outbreak of this war, initiated by the Rapid Support Forces through a domestic and international conspiracy with unlimited foreign backing, has inflicted atrocities upon the Sudanese people,” Salah said.

Salah said the new faction would stand with the SAF to ensure the protection of Sudanese civilians and the country’s territorial integrity.

He declared that the SLM/A-CH would work to “cleanse the country of mercenaries” and restore security and stability.

Salah’s defection underscores a growing trend of Zaghawa leaders rallying behind the SAF against the RSF. An ethnic Zaghawa from North Darfur’s Kornoy locality, Salah’s move highlights the increasing ethnic polarization within Darfur’s conflict.

Historically, Darfur’s armed movements have been dominated by Zaghawa, Fur, and Masalit leaders. The SLM/AW is largely associated with the Fur community.

The defection signals broader implications for the dynamics of the war in Darfur. Salah’s alignment with the SAF could consolidate Zaghawa support for the army, posing a significant challenge to the RSF.

The Zaghawa’s extensive cross-border networks, particularly in Chad, enable them to mobilize fighters and resources effectively, a capability that mirrors the RSF’s transnational recruitment strategies.

The rallying of Zaghawa leaders and movements in support of the SAF adds a new dimension to the conflict. Historically, groups such as the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and SLM-MM have demonstrated their capacity to sustain prolonged campaigns.

Their alignment with the SAF could decisively tilt the balance of power in Darfur.

Already stretched by fighting on multiple fronts, the RSF faces a coordinated Zaghawa-led resistance, further complicating its campaign to dominate Darfur and sustain its presence in Central Sudan.

The defection not only strengthens the SAF’s position but also amplifies the regional dimensions of a conflict that has already displaced millions and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.