The Facts

• For the first time since the conflict began in Sudan some 18 months ago, a high-ranking commander from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) defected on Sunday, along with several of his soldiers.

• The Sudanese army stated that Abuagla Keikal was an ex-military officer who became the top commander of the RSF in the southern state of El Gezira and defected due to his former force's "destructive agenda."

• Keikal did not immediately offer comments. After Keikal's defection, the RSF issued a statement asserting that he deserted his position following a "deal," claiming that it had inflicted losses on the troops that defected with him.