![Darfur Tribal Leader and head of the Awakening Revolutionary Council Musa Hilal. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/download-3.jpg?resize=1000%2C525&quality=89&ssl=1)
Multiple security sources told Sudans Post on Saturday that a battalion of Hilal’s Awakening Revolutionary Council forces started to arrive at the command of the SAF’s 73rd Brigade of the 3rd infantry division on Friday and continued through Saturday to bolster army presence in the area.
The move comes as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group at the heart of Sudan’s ongoing civil war, have been massing on the border with North Darfur State.
Northern state located in the northern-most parts of Sudan has been relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the country. But recent RSF’s activities and advance along the border with North Darfur State has raised concerns about a potential spillover of violence.
Military sources told Sudans Post that Hilal’s forces aim to strengthen government positions and prepare for potential battles against the RSF on the desert front.
Major General Suleiman Kamal Haj Al-Khider, commander of the 19th Infantry Brigade in Merowe, welcomed the integration of Hilal’s forces, saying all forces are working together to defeat the RSF.
Mohamed Bakhit, Secretary-General of the Awakening Council, told Sudans Post the group would fight under the SAF’s command in the “Battle of Dignity.” He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from local residents.
Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and the RSF. Most armed groups, including powerful former Darfur rebels led by Darfur regional governor Minni Minnawi and Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim, have aligned with the SAF.
Hilal, the founding leader of the RSF’s predecessor Janjaweed militia, has publicly denounced the paramilitary group and pledged his support to the military-led government based on Port Sudan.
However, Hilal has not yet actively participated in combat against the RSF.
