Nairobi, Kenya| Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and former commander of the notorious Janjaweed militia, arrived in Nairobi on Sunday to spearhead the highly anticipated unveiling of Sudan’s “Government of Peace and Unity.”
The move signals a direct challenge to the internationally recognized administration based in Port Sudan, setting the stage for heightened political tensions and potential diplomatic fallout.
Parallel Government to be Announced in Kenya
According to reports from Al Arabiya Sudan, Dagalo and his allies, including political, civil, and social groups backing the RSF, originally planned to proclaim the new government at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on February 17, 2025.
However, the event has been postponed to Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The planned declaration marks an unprecedented step in Sudan’s ongoing crisis, with the RSF and its supporters positioning themselves as a legitimate alternative to the ruling military regime in Port Sudan.
Since the start of Sudan’s civil conflict in April 2023, the RSF has engaged in fierce battles against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The war has devastated the country, displacing millions and leading to widespread humanitarian suffering.
A Challenge to Port Sudan’s Authority
The proclamation of a parallel government from Kenyan soil is expected to trigger a strong response from the Port Sudan-based administration, which remains Sudan’s official government.
Analysts anticipate that Sudanese authorities will denounce the move as illegitimate and attempt to rally regional and international support against the RSF’s political maneuver.
The Port Sudan government, backed by key military figures and international allies, has long condemned the RSF’s actions as an armed rebellion.
Dagalo’s attempt to establish a rival government could further complicate peace efforts, with fears that the Sudanese conflict may spill over into regional diplomatic tensions.
Regional and International Implications
Kenya’s role as the host of this significant political development could draw mixed reactions from neighboring countries and international bodies, including the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
While Kenya has been involved in mediation efforts for Sudan, allowing the RSF to make such a major announcement on its soil could strain its diplomatic relations with Sudan’s Port Sudan-based administration and its allies.
Observers are closely watching how regional and global actors, including the United Nations, the AU, and major powers such as the United States and the Gulf states, will respond to this unfolding situation.
Diplomatic Fallout Expected
The Sudanese government in Port Sudan is expected to launch a diplomatic offensive against the RSF’s move, potentially seeking international condemnation of the Nairobi-based announcement.
Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya and other diplomatic representatives may issue formal protests, and there is speculation that pressure could mount on Nairobi to distance itself from the event.
With tensions running high and Sudan’s future hanging in the balance, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this parallel government gains traction or faces immediate pushback from regional and international players.
As February 18 approaches, the world watches closely to see how this bold political gambit unfolds.
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