Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is set to sign a charter with allied political and armed groups to establish a “government of peace and unity” in the territories it controls. This announcement, confirmed by signatories al-Hadi Idris and Ibrahim Mirghani, has already sparked international concerns. The RSF currently dominates much of western Darfur and parts of Kordofan but is facing resistance from the Sudanese army, which has strongly condemned the attempt to form a rival administration.
The United Nations has expressed concern over this development, as a parallel government is unlikely to gain widespread recognition. However, those involved insist the announcement will take place within Sudan’s borders. The RSF’s leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, already faces U.S. sanctions for alleged war crimes, including genocide. The formation of this new government further complicates an already volatile situation.
The War That Split Sudan and the Role of Secularism
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army erupted over disagreements on their integration into a unified military force during Sudan’s transition to democracy. The war has since devastated the nation, pushing millions into extreme hunger. Abdelaziz al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader and one of the signatories to the RSF’s charter, controls a vast portion of South Kordofan. His long-standing demand for a secular Sudan is a crucial factor in these unfolding events.
Many analysts believe the RSF’s decision to create a government is more about consolidating power than achieving peace. While the group claims to be working toward unity, its track record of violence, forced displacement, and alleged war crimes raises serious doubts about its intentions. The Sudanese army, despite its own controversies, remains internationally recognized, making it difficult for any RSF-led government to gain legitimacy on the global stage.
International and Regional Reactions—Is Kenya Getting Involved?
Talks regarding the Sudan crisis were recently held in Kenya, drawing sharp criticism from Sudan’s leadership. President William Ruto’s involvement has been condemned by Khartoum, with many accusing him of entangling Kenya in a diplomatic conflict it may struggle to navigate. The Kenyan government, however, insists it is only facilitating peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is creating additional pressure on neighboring Burundi. As the region faces multiple conflicts, international players are scrambling to find solutions while also weighing their geopolitical interests.
Will the RSF Government Survive?
The RSF’s attempt to establish a government in Sudan-controlled territories is not just controversial—it’s unsustainable. Without international recognition, funding, or widespread support, the new administration faces a steep uphill battle. While its leaders frame the move as a step toward peace, we see it as another desperate attempt to assert dominance in a fractured nation.
