Sudan’s RSF, facing accusations of genocide, has formally signed a charter with allied groups to form a rival government aimed at peace and unity. Despite claims of unifying the nation, the RSF’s actions are opposed by the Sudanese government, which does not recognize this parallel authority. The conflict has resulted in massive humanitarian repercussions in the country.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan, accused of genocide, have signed a charter to establish a rival government, despite concerns from human rights organizations and the international community. This agreement was made with allied political and armed groups during a closed-door ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya. The RSF claims the initiative aims to create a government centered on peace and unity, even as it faces significant military setbacks against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The RSF continues to be implicated in crimes against humanity amid ongoing violence in Sudan, as it experiences intensifying pressure from the SAF in Khartoum. Aligning with various armed factions, the RSF’s charter emphasizes the necessity of a secular, democratic, and decentralized state, while acknowledging armed groups’ continued existence. The fallout from these disputes, particularly regarding the RSF’s integration into the army, led to the current civil conflict.
Key leaders, including Abdelaziz al-Hilu of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and Abdel Rahim Dagalo, the brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’, have endorsed the charter. The Sudanese government, however, has declared it will not recognize the RSF’s governance plans, citing national unity concerns.
In an official statement, Sudan’s foreign minister Ali Youssef affirmed, “We will not accept any other country recognizing a so-called parallel government.” On the international front, a UN spokesperson highlighted that this development could exacerbate the fragmentation of Sudan and worsen the humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation. The RSF, despite controlling substantial territories in Darfur, is enduring significant territorial losses to the SAF.
The ongoing conflict has precipitated a dire humanitarian situation, with over 20,000 casualties reported and 14 million people displaced. The RSF and Sudanese government once shared power post-Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, but following a 2021 coup, their relationship deteriorated into open warfare. The RSF’s leader Hemedti is currently subject to U.S. sanctions for his role in these atrocities.
The RSF’s establishment of a rival government raises significant concerns among human rights groups and the international community. As the RSF battles the SAF for control, the humanitarian crisis worsens, leaving millions in dire need. The ongoing conflict continues to complicate efforts toward achieving peace and stability in Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
