Sudan's RSF and Allies to Form Parallel Government via Charter

The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will sign a charter with allied groups to establish a "government of peace and unity" in territories controlled by the paramilitary. The RSF has seized parts of Darfur and Kordofan regions in a two-year war, but is being pushed back by the Sudanese army, which condemns the formation of a parallel government.

The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a power struggle within the country's ruinous civil war, are reportedly working towards establishing a parallel government in territories under their control [1]. This move comes as the RSF faces military setbacks from the Sudanese army, which condemns the formation of such a government.

On Tuesday, the RSF's deputy leader, Abdul Rahim Dagalo, attended a political event in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was greeted by hundreds of supporters [1]. Although no charter was signed at the event, officials stated that negotiations were ongoing to finalize the terms of the parallel government with Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, the leader of another Sudanese rebel faction [1].

The RSF's push for a breakaway government is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, which has seen the group accused of genocide by the United States [1]. Sudan's army has gained momentum in recent months, pushing the RSF out of key areas in the capital, Khartoum, and central Sudan [1]. The RSF aims to end its losing streak and solidify its claim to rule by establishing a government in the considerable swath of the country it holds.

The RSF's political event in Nairobi was not without controversy, as Kenya's foreign ministry was accused of violating Sudan's sovereignty by hosting the event [2]. However, Kenya maintains that it is committed to supporting peace efforts in Sudan [2].

The civil war in Sudan, which began in 2013, has led to the displacement of millions of people and caused significant damage to the country's infrastructure [3]. The conflict is complex and multifaceted, with various ethnic and political groups vying for power.

References:

[1] The New York Times. (2025, February 18). Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Take Step Toward Forming Breakaway Government. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/africa/sudan-rsf-government.html

[2] Associated Press. (2025, February 21). Kenya Denies Violating Sudan's Sovereignty Over RSF Event. https://apnews.com/article/kenya-sudan-war-rsf-nairobi-hemedti-2bc5122812ad58d4a6cac8be2e371513

[3] BBC News. (2022, February 25). Sudan conflict: What is happening and why? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55708192