RSF leader in Al-Jazeera State surrenders to the army
20 October 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Abu Akla Kaikl, the current commander of Al-Jazeera State, has surrendered to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) after initially aligning with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the onset of the ongoing conflict. Kaikl’s decision to switch sides comes as Sudan’s army continues its efforts to reclaim territories held by the RSF and regain control of strategic regions.
Kaikl’s decision to surrender is confirmed in an official army statement that encouraged others within the RSF to join the army. “The armed forces welcome this brave step and confirm that its doors remain open to all those who side with the national army and the armed forces. We also renew the amnesty of the head of the sovereignty council and commander in chief of the armed forces to any rebel that sides with the nation and reports to the nearest army base in all parts of Sudan.”
In areas of Al-Batana in the heart of Al-Jazeera state, Kaikl’s birthplace, many people celebrated his surrender. Since the era of former dictator Omar al-Bashir, Kaikl had been leading a paramilitary force known as the Shield of Sudan and was popular among the residents of Al-Jazeera state, who repeatedly urged him to distance himself from the RSF and “return to the homeland.”
Not all, however, are pleased with Kaikl’s return to the army after leading battles across Al-Jazeera State since the RSF took control last December. Hala Al-Karib, the regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, does not support the idea of providing Kaikl with amnesty given the RSF’s horrific violence against civilians, especially women, during their raids in Al-Jazeera State. “Kaikl is a criminal and will remain a criminal,” Al-Karib told Ayin. ”He must be held accountable and prosecuted just like the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces, under whose watch and command hundreds of women, children, and unarmed civilians have been raped, humiliated, tortured, and killed. We, as women, will not allow or remain silent while someone like Kaikl escapes punishment simply because he has changed his allegiance.” By granting immunity, Al-Karib added, will only ensure the cycle of violence continues. “As Sudanese people, we must learn this lesson. After more than 30 years of immunity and rewarding criminals, all we have reaped is cycles of violence and death. Justice is the foundation for peace in Sudan.”
The political secretary of the Sudanese Congress Party, Sharief Osman, agrees. “The solution we aspire to must include a transitional justice project where all perpetrators of crimes and violations are held accountable to achieve justice. This is the path towards lasting and sustainable peace.”
Since taking Al-Jazeera State’s capital in December last year, the RSF and affiliated militias have wreaked havoc. One of the most horrific massacres to date occurred in June, when the RSF stormed Wadi al-Noura hamlet, murdering at least 160 people.
Videos on social media showed RSF members in Khartoum state sending a message to the RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”), demanding clarification. They stated that if no explanation is given, their comrades in Al-Jazeera State should lay down their arms and leave the area. They also expressed frustration with what they described as the strange situation that has persisted recently.
Ayin reached out to an advisor to the commander of the RSF, seeking comment on Kaikl’s surrender. However, as of the publication of this report, the Rapid Support Forces have not received a response and have not made an official statement.