The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied political and armed factions signed a political charter in Nairobi on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The agreement, signed under strict security measures and amid a media blackout, aims to establish what signatories are calling a “Peace and Unity Government” to govern territories under RSF control.
Sudanese politicians Al-Hadi Idris and Ibrahim Al-Mirghani, both present at the signing, confirmed the formation of the parallel administration, emphasizing its intent to provide governance in RSF-held areas. The RSF currently controls most of Darfur in western Sudan and vast portions of Kordofan, regions that have witnessed intense fighting between the paramilitary force and Sudan’s national army for nearly two years.
The establishment of a rival government has been met with strong condemnation from Sudan’s military-led authorities. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry denounced the move as “a hostile act,” expressing deep dissatisfaction with Kenya’s role in facilitating the talks. On Thursday, the ministry recalled Sudan’s ambassador from Nairobi in protest, accusing Kenya’s leadership of “harboring and encouraging a conspiracy” to undermine Sudan’s sovereignty. Sudan also urged Kenya to reconsider what it described as “a dangerous course of action” that threatens regional stability.
In response, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry defended its involvement, stating that hosting the meetings was part of broader diplomatic efforts, in coordination with the United Nations and the African Union, to mediate an end to Sudan’s civil strife. “Kenya’s role is to facilitate dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders in pursuit of a peaceful resolution,” the ministry said in a statement issued Wednesday.
The charter signing followed several days of closed-door discussions in Nairobi, which began Tuesday. The talks brought together opposition factions, armed movements, and civil society representatives under the newly formed “Sudan Founding Coalition,” with the RSF playing a central role. Supporters of the initiative claim it aims to fill a power vacuum and establish governance in conflict-affected regions, but critics argue it will deepen divisions and prolong the war.
On the ground, Sudan’s army remains entrenched in central regions of the country. Recently, government forces recaptured the city of Wad Madani, a strategic urban center, where residents are slowly returning to their daily routines after months of instability.
The creation of a parallel administration threatens to further complicate international efforts to broker peace in Sudan, which has been mired in conflict since the RSF and the army fell into open hostilities in April 2023. With both sides entrenched and foreign actors increasingly involved, the prospects for a swift resolution appear dim, raising fears of prolonged unrest and humanitarian deterioration across the region.
