Defected Sudanese RSF commander Savannah performs Hajj in Mecca

Defected Sudanese RSF commander Savannah performs Hajj in Mecca Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:21 Ali Rizqallah appears among pilgrims days after leaving paramilitary group accused of waging genocide in Darfur Ali Rizqallah, known by the nom de guerre Savannah, films himself during the Hajj pilgrimage earlier this week (Screengrab) Off A senior commander who recently defected from Sudan 's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has filmed himself performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, less than three weeks after publicly breaking with the paramilitary group accused of genocide in Darfur. Footage circulated by Al Jazeera on Tuesday appears to show Ali Rizqallah - widely known by his nom de guerre Savannah - at the Kaaba, pressing his hands against its black kiswa covering and making supplications for Sudan as fellow pilgrims circle Islam's holiest site behind him. "O Allah, grant victory to our forces, unite our ranks, stop the bloodshed, end the war, lift this affliction, and bring Your might against every tyrant," he is heard saying.  The clip has triggered mixed reactions among Sudanese viewers online. Some framed it as a moment of repentance, while others insisted that no act of piety could erase what the RSF has done. Journalist Sabah Ahmed wrote that the rights of victims could not be wiped away by performing the Hajj or grasping at the Kaaba's coverings, addressing Savannah directly: "Our rights against you have not been forgiven."   Savannah announced his defection from the RSF in a video statement on 11 May, declaring: "Today, I announce my total departure from the [Rapid] Support Forces." He resurfaced in Khartoum four days later, pledging to take up...

Original source: Middle East Eye