Nairobi, Kenya| The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group engaged in Sudan’s brutal civil war, has taken a significant step toward forming a breakaway government.
During a political event in Nairobi, Kenya, the RSF’s deputy leader, Abdul Rahim Dagalo—who is currently under U.S. sanctions—was received by a large gathering of supporters.
Although a formal charter for a parallel government was not signed at the event, negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days, signaling a major shift in Sudan’s volatile political landscape.
The move has drawn sharp condemnation from Sudan’s army, which views the formation of a rival government as an existential threat to the country’s sovereignty.
The RSF, which controls large swaths of western Darfur and parts of Kordofan, has been embroiled in a deadly conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023.
The war erupted after disputes over the integration of the RSF into the national military as part of a fragile democratic transition.
The violence has since spiraled into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, leaving nearly half of Sudan’s population facing severe hunger.
RSF Portrayed as Pro-Democracy, Despite Atrocity Allegations
At the Nairobi event, the RSF was presented as a pro-democracy force, with images of its leader, Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” prominently displayed. However, the RSF’s track record in Sudan tells a different story.
The group has been accused of committing widespread atrocities, including ethnic killings in Darfur and recent massacres in White Nile state, where over 200 civilians were reportedly slaughtered during a three-day assault on villages.
The accusations have led to international scrutiny, with the United Nations and human rights organizations warning of potential genocide.
Despite these allegations, the RSF’s political maneuvering continues. The group is working alongside rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu, who has long advocated for a secular Sudan.
His involvement in the charter negotiations suggests a broader coalition is forming, though the legitimacy of this parallel government remains highly questionable.
The final signing of the RSF’s proposed charter is expected to take place this Saturday, with an official announcement likely to come from within Sudan.
International Concerns and Diplomatic Fallout
The prospect of an RSF-led government has sparked international concern, with the United Nations and other global actors warning that such a move could further destabilize Sudan.
The Kenyan government has faced criticism for hosting the talks, with Sudanese officials accusing Nairobi of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
The tensions highlight the deep diplomatic divisions surrounding the Sudanese conflict, as regional and global powers struggle to mediate an end to the violence.
With Sudan already on the brink of collapse, the formation of a parallel RSF-led government could fracture the country further, diminishing hopes for a unified peace process.
As the situation develops, the world will be watching closely to see whether the RSF’s political ambitions materialize—or if the ongoing war will plunge Sudan into even deeper chaos.
Some information for this report was sourced from Reuters and The New York Times.
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