Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and allied groups signed a charter Sunday to establish a parallel government in the conflict-ridden nation.
The signing, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, at 2:00 a.m. local time, occurred despite objections from Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who warned the move would further destabilize the country.
The United Nations expressed deep concern Wednesday over reports of the RSF’s plans. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the UN had seen “rather extensive reports about the anticipated announcement by the Rapid Support Forces and others to establish a parallel government or a parallel governing body,” adding such a move could escalate the conflict and fracture the country.
The signatories, including rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, said the charter paves the way for establishing the Sudan Founding Alliance, which aims to promote peace and unity in militia-controlled areas. Al-Hilu’s group controls parts of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
The alliance said in a statement that key stakeholders who convened in Nairobi for four days concluded with the signing of an agreement that they believe will steer the nation toward a new Sudan.
The alliance said that more than 20 political parties across Sudan, 10 civil society organizations, and five military groups led by the RSF, among other lobby groups, are signatories to the charter.
According to the signatories, the charter seeks to establish a “new, inclusive army, end the ongoing war, combat terrorism, and improve diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.”
The signatories also commended Kenyan President William Ruto for maintaining a nonpartisan position, despite allegations that the Nairobi gathering aimed to form a parallel government. They claimed Kenya served only as a platform for stakeholders to address the root causes of Sudan’s problems and find solutions.
The Sudanese army, led by al-Burhan, has dismissed the move as illegitimate and condemned Kenya for hosting the RSF, calling it a violation of international law and an interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. Khartoum also warned that such a move dismembers African states and violates its sovereignty.
The Sudanese government has blamed the RSF militia for the ongoing war, saying Kenya’s hosting of the RSF amounts to an endorsement of the group’s crimes.
Genocide-accused RSF move to further strain relations with Washington
The move to establish a parallel government may further strain relations with Washington, which has imposed sanctions on Dagalo. In January, the U.S. sanctioned the RSF leader for his role in what it described as an unfolding genocide against non-Arabs.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has accused Hemedti of contributing to a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced 12 million Sudanese. OFAC has also sanctioned seven companies and one individual it said facilitated the RSF’s ability to acquire military equipment and finances.
The RSF recently suffered setbacks, with the army regaining control of parts of Khartoum, including its military headquarters, and securing near total control of Gezira state.
Following these setbacks, the RSF aims to launch a rival government in areas under its control, mainly in Darfur and parts of Kordofan state.
