Hemedti Sentences Defected RSF General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam to Death in Absentia After Desert Escape to SAF

RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) sentenced Major General Al-Nour Ahmed Adam — known as 'Al-Qubba' — to death in absentia on April 23, 2026, also stripping him of his military rank for desertion and collaboration with the Sudanese Armed Forces. Al-Qubba was a senior RSF commander in North Darfur who defected to the SAF following internal disputes about his exclusion from the RSF military leadership of North Darfur after the RSF's capture of El Fasher in October 2025. Al-Qubba was reportedly frustrated that Gedo Ibnshook — rather than himself — was appointed RSF commander in North Darfur, and complained of discrimination against his forces and lack of logistical support from RSF command. He then executed a dramatic desert escape, evading RSF forces across the Sahara, and reached Dongola in SAF-controlled Northern State around April 19. The death sentence signals the severity of Hemedti's concern about defections from the RSF's internal command structure, particularly from commanders with firsthand knowledge of RSF capabilities in Darfur. The episode also highlights ethnic tensions within the RSF's own ranks, with commanders from outside Hemedti's Rizeigat tribe reportedly facing discrimination in appointments and resource allocation. Al-Qubba's defection was described by military analysts as 'a major blow to the RSF' because it may provide SAF with actionable intelligence about RSF positions, personnel, and supply routes in North Darfur.