Sudan’s RSF and allies have signed a charter in Nairobi to form a parallel government despite ongoing conflicts with the Sudanese military. The RSF faces numerous allegations of atrocities and the humanitarian crisis has escalated, resulting in thousands dead and millions displaced. The military has made key advances against the RSF, weakening its control in several areas.
On February 18, 2025, representatives from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to sign the Sudan Founding Charter. This agreement aims to lay the groundwork for a unity government composed of various political factions, armed groups, and RSF leaders. The signing ceremony occurred under heavy scrutiny following a prior meeting that was publicly condemned by Sudan’s Foreign Ministry.
Despite expressing intentions to form a government characterized by “peace and unity,” significant concerns persist from human rights organizations and the international community. The RSF has faced allegations of committing serious atrocities, including acts of genocide, since the outbreak of conflict with Sudan’s army in April 2023.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, with the United Nations estimating over 24,000 fatalities and displacing 14 million people, constituting approximately 30% of Sudan’s population. Furthermore, around 3.2 million Sudanese have reportedly fled to neighboring nations. The U.N.’s human rights office indicated that more than 4,200 civilian deaths were documented through 2024, highlighting a potentially much higher actual count.
Recent developments indicate an upward trend for Sudan’s military while the RSF has sustained significant losses, including the city of Wad Medani in Gezira province and the largest oil refinery in the country. The RSF’s influence appears to be waning, particularly in the Greater Khartoum area and surrounding cities, such as Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri.
In summary, the signing of the Sudan Founding Charter by the RSF and its allies marks a critical step toward establishing a parallel government amid ongoing conflict. While the signatories claim to promote peace and unity, the backdrop of severe human rights violations casts doubt on their intentions. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with military advances undermining the RSF’s position in key regions of Sudan.
Original Source: apnews.com
