Sudan’s Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a timed move to commemorate the second anniversary of the war, which the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
“On this anniversary, we proudly declare the establishment of a government of peace and unity, a broad coalition that reflects the true face of Sudan,” RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagallo, also known as Hemedi, said in a statement posted to Telegram.
Dagallo said the RSF and the Alliance political groups signed the transition constitution and described it as “a new Sudan roadmap.”
The document proposes a 15-member council of presidents “to represent all regions that represent our voluntary unity.”
Partition warning
The RSF first outlined plans for an alternative government in February, when it signed a political charter with Kenya’s civil allies.
The move directly challenges the army-led government of General Abdel Fatta al-Burhan. Allies have once fought since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023.
Sudan experts warn that the country, Africa’s third largest region, could be heading for permanent division.
“It could mean a de facto separation,” said Sharath Srinivasan, a Sudanese researcher at Cambridge University, “it could mean a de facto separation.”
The RSF and the Army are accused of serious abuse during the conflict, including looting, sexual violence and attacks on civilians.
EU and Britain call on London Conference to end the “terrifying” Sudan War
darfur escalation
While the RSF announced a new government, the fight was strengthened in North Darfur. Paramilitary groups are looking to adopt Elfasher, the last major city in the area still held by the Army.
The United Nations said more than 400 people have been killed recently. On Sunday, RSF claimed it had managed a nearby Samzam displacement camp.
The International Migration Agency said about 400,000 people had fled the camp. The camp lived in nearly 1 million people.
On Tuesday, the Army said it had launched airstrikes at the RSF position northeast of Elfasher.
The US has condemned the RSF’s actions.
“RSF is deeply wary of reports of Zamzam and Abu Shuk deliberately targeting civilians and humanitarian actors,” said Tammy Bruce, a spokesman for the US Department of State.
Civilians return to the ruins
Some civilians have returned to areas recaptured by the Army, but only to find a house that has been plundered or destroyed.
Zainab Abdel Rahim, 38, returned to Khartoum North this month with six children.
“We’re trying to put together essentials, but there’s no water, no electricity, no medicine,” she told AFP.
Abdel Rafi Hussein, 52, remained in the capital under RSF control until the Army seized a portion of it last month.
“I lost half my weight. We are safe now, but even so, we are struggling with a lack of water and electricity and most hospitals are not working,” he said.
World Court will hold hearings on the Sudan case against the United Arab Emirates over the Darfur War
Donors are seeking peace
At an international conference held in London on Tuesday, ministers and officials gathered to discuss ways to end the war.
The representative has pledged to new humanitarian aid of more than 800 million euros.
British Foreign Secretary David Lamy said, “We cannot resign in the inevitable conflict. We cannot have the same argument a year from now.”
Neither the RSF nor the military were invited to the meeting, but participants, including the African Union, sought “an immediate and permanent ceasefire,” underscored the importance of preventing Sudan’s division.
Separately, the G7 Foreign Minister held in Canada reflected the call for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” and urged both sides to engage in “serious and constructive negotiations.”
Displacement and hunger
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The war displaced nearly 13 million people, including over 3.5 million people who had crossed their neighbouring countries. The United Nations calls it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The exact number of deaths remains unknown, but some estimates have brought the death toll to a maximum of 150,000.
“In the last two years, millions of lives have been crushed. Family has been torn apart. Lives have been lost.
The Zamzam camp in Darfur was the first place in Sudan where hunger was declared. Other camps in the area have since continued, with experts hoping that hunger will reach Elfasher by next month.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the “flow of external support and weapons” that fuels the war without naming certain countries.
The Army Support Government has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying arms to the RSF through Chad. This is denial by both the RSF and the UAE.
(with newswire)
