Special Report, May 19 (Darfur24)
Prominent West Darfur leader Masar Abdelrahman Asil has reportedly reversed his decision to defect from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and align himself with the Sudanese army following intense pressure from tribal leaders and members of his clan, informed sources told Darfur24.
Asil, who serves as deputy head of the Constituent Assembly in West Darfur State, had earlier announced his departure from the RSF and his support for the army, triggering widespread reactions due to his status as one of the most prominent tribal figures backing the RSF in the state.
According to the sources, leaders from the Masalit community urged the Sudanese army not to grant Asil any exemptions, arguing that he faces accusations related to violations and crimes committed in West Darfur during the conflict.
The sources added that senior RSF figures intervened to contain the dispute and prevent Asil from joining the army by resolving disagreements between him and the RSF leadership.
They also stated that members of Asil’s clan within the RSF exerted significant pressure on him to reverse his position, aiming to preserve unity within the tribe.
According to the sources, a senior RSF leader met with Asil in a neighboring country, where the differences were reportedly settled, and he was persuaded to abandon plans to support the Sudanese army.
The sources further revealed that there had been discussions within the clan about appointing one of Asil’s brothers to replace him as tribal leader if he proceeded with the defection.
Abdulrahman Asil is regarded as one of the most influential traditional leaders in West Darfur and currently serves as vice president of the Constituent Council established by the RSF in the state.
In July 2023, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan announced investigations into alleged atrocities committed in Darfur. Reports at the time identified Abdulrahman Asil, Major General Abdelrahman Jumaa Barakallah and Al-Tijrani Karshoum among individuals under scrutiny.
In a 2023 report published by Reuters, a Masalit leader in El Geneina said he had seen Asil in the Donki neighborhood in mid-June 2023 riding in a Land Cruiser and inspecting the positions of Arab fighters.
Asil denied being a militia leader or having ties to the RSF, while accusing the Masalit community of triggering the violence and claiming that Arab fighters were responding to attacks by the tribe.