Title: Defections and rallies in the Sudanese army: a communication issue in the midst of war
Introduction :
In Sudan, the war between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been raging since April 15, 2023. At the heart of this conflict, the defections and rallies of soldiers from both sides are gaining momentum. Each side prides itself on its new recruits, holding filmed ceremonies to show its strength and determination. This communication war reflects the intensity of the struggle for control of the country. This article sheds light on this reality and explores its impact on the ground.
Defections and rallies: signs of victory
In the Sudanese war, defections and rallies are seen as spoils of war, a symbol of victory. Each group of soldiers who leave one camp to join the other appears in videos, weapons in hand, surrounding their leader. Their official statement states that they have chosen to join the party that best defends the fatherland and preserves the honor of its men. This media staging aims to reinforce the legitimacy of each camp and to influence public opinion.
A recent escalation in defections
During the month of July, the number of defections increased considerably. General al-Burhan managed to reinstate 33 officers who had left the RSF led by General Hemedti. Border guards at al-Fasher, formerly assigned to the FSR, also defected to join the army. Similarly, in East Darfur, 15 officers and 527 regular army soldiers announced their defection to join the RSF. This trend is partly explained by the stalemate on the ground and the desire of each side to show its strength.
Defections as a communication weapon
Defections and rallies have become a weapon of communication in this internal war in Sudan. The inability of the two parties to make a significant advance pushes the generals to exploit these defections to influence public opinion and reinforce their legitimacy. The videos and press releases broadcast on social networks are all messages intended to galvanize their troops and destabilize the adversary. This media battle parallel to the war on the ground underlines the importance of the perception of victory for each side.
Conclusion :
Defections and rallies in the Sudanese army have become key elements of the communication war that is taking place alongside the conflict on the ground. Each side seeks to reinforce its legitimacy by showing the loyalty of its recruits and by destabilizing the adversary. This reality underlines the importance of image and communication in contemporary conflicts