Sudanese civil war (2023-present) Under SAF Sudanese civil war (2023-present) Abu Aqla Kikal (Arabic: أبو عاقلة كيكل), also spelled Abu Agla Keikel, is a former commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

[2][3] In October 2024, he defected to the Sudanese Armed Forces,[4] which triggered a series of violent retaliatory attacks by the RSF on civilians in the Gezira State.

[5] These attacks have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread displacement.

[5] Keikel, a retired officer from the Sudanese army, founded the "Sudan Shield Forces" in 2022.

Originating from Butana in central Sudan, Keikel became an activist and a key member of the executive office of the "Free Butana Forum," which focuses on regional public affairs.