Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies have signed a transitional constitution, marking a significant step toward establishing a parallel government amid the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
The signing ceremony took place in Nairobi on Monday night, according to Ahmed Tagad Lisan, a member of the preparatory committee for the “Founding Sudan Alliance.” He confirmed to AFP that all parties who previously endorsed the alliance’s charter had now signed the constitutional document.
A Nation Divided by War
For nearly two years, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), leading to the displacement of over 12 million people. The United States has described the situation as one of the world’s worst hunger and displacement crises.
Last week, the RSF and its allied political and military factions signed a charter committing to forming a “peace and unity government” in rebel-held territories across Sudan. The newly signed transitional constitution outlines the framework for this administration, detailing governance structures, executive powers, and a decentralized system of rule. Lisan stated that the next step would be the official announcement of the government within Sudan.
Regional Tensions & Accusations
Kenya has faced sharp criticism for hosting the RSF and its allied factions. In response, Sudan’s government, aligned with the army, recalled its ambassador from Nairobi last month. Khartoum accused Kenyan President William Ruto of advancing personal interests in collaboration with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and his foreign backers.
This is widely interpreted as a reference to the United Arab Emirates, which Sudanese authorities and some Western nations have accused of supporting the RSF—allegations that Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied. Notably, Kenya signed an economic partnership agreement with the UAE in January, further fueling speculation about the Emirati role in Sudan’s conflict.
The RSF’s constitution was signed by 24 figures, including Abdelrahim Dagalo, Hemedti’s brother and the deputy commander of the RSF.
A Fractured Sudan
The ongoing war has deeply divided Sudan. While the army maintains control over the north and east, the RSF dominates nearly all of West Darfur and parts of the south. The conflict has escalated tensions not only within Sudan but also across the region, with concerns that the RSF’s latest move could further complicate efforts to broker a peace settlement.
