Sudan Governor Resigns to Join Rival Military Force

In July 2025, Hamad Mohammad Hamad Khalifa, the governor of Cordofan state appointed by the Rapid Support Forces, resigned and defected. To understand the context, the Rapid Support Forces, a militia, had been used by the Sudanese government as part of its armed forces since August 2013, before being reformed and renamed as the RSF under the command of Muhammad Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The RSF has been engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces since 2023, vying for control of Sudan. In 2025, the RSF established a parallel government in conjunction with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, called the Government of Peace and Unity.

The RSF's forces have been reported to have committed atrocities in the Darfur region and northern Sudan, using violence against non-Arab tribes and northern Sudanese Arabs, such as the Ja'alin and Shaigiya, due to their perceived support for the Sudanese Armed Forces. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of secretly providing financial support to the RSF. The RSF has also received many fighters and weapons from neighboring Chad and other places.

In this context, the news of the RSF-appointed governor of Cordofan state resigning and defecting is noteworthy. While this indicates there are rifts within the RSF, it is unclear what consequences Hamad Mohammad Hamad Khalifa's defection will lead to. However, the civil war in Sudan has been ongoing for months, and there are concerns it will trigger even bloodier conflicts.

Internationally, the RSF's actions have been widely criticized. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the RSF's atrocities, but the Sudanese government and other countries continue to support the RSF. The political situation in the region has become increasingly complex, but for the people of Sudan, the only thing that matters is ending this civil war and rebuilding a peaceful society.

For Sudan, the RSF's defection may lead to further chaos, but these developments are still worth attention in terms of understanding the international situation. The civil war in Sudan not only affects Sudan's security but also the stability of the entire East African region. The international community should continue to push for peace negotiations to ensure the people of Sudan can live in peace.