The paramilitary RSF’s effort to create a “parallel government” in Sudan has raised concerns about deepening divisions within the country. Following a charter signing in Kenya, Sudan’s government rejected the initiative. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and international scrutiny, with experts warning of potential risks associated with a second governing body in Sudan.
Recent developments regarding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attempting to establish a “parallel government” in Sudan have raised alarms both domestically and internationally. On February 22, the RSF, alongside allied armed and political factions, signed a political charter in Kenya, signifying their intention to form this alternate governance structure. However, the Sudanese government promptly dismissed the charter as “stillborn” and inapplicable within the current political landscape.
Sudan has endured a persistent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF for nearly two years, exacerbated by escalating violence since April 2023, which has resulted in over 29,600 deaths and displaced around 15 million individuals, as reported by crisis-monitoring groups. Political analyst Abdul-Raziq Ziyada indicated that the failure of several political settlement initiatives has contributed to this unfavorable situation, further deepening the existing divide in the nation.
Khalid Dirar, a political science professor, expressed that this signing signifies not only an adverse shift in the balance of power but an evident division within Sudan. Experts have warned that the RSF’s efforts to create a parallel government could lead to serious political, security, and economic repercussions in an already precarious environment. Meanwhile, Abdul-Rahman Awad highlighted the importance of evaluating the implications of this new development on Sudanese stability.
Moreover, Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub prognosticated potential challenges for the RSF in bringing this initiative to fruition, largely due to the ongoing military dynamics. Should the SAF gain ground, particularly in regions like El Fasher, the RSF’s capability to establish control may diminish. This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the RSF’s ability to consolidate power effectively.
Global responses have emerged, including significant remarks from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized the urgent need to preserve Sudan’s unity and sovereignty as vital for long-term conflict resolution. In addition, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its disapproval of the formation of a parallel government, asserting that any actions taken outside the official institutional framework would undermine national unity and the will of the Sudanese populace.
The circumstances surrounding this issue extend to geopolitical tensions, as Sudan retaliated diplomatically against Kenya for hosting RSF meetings, calling into question the integrity of regional relations. Sudan’s government has threatened economic measures against Kenya, indicating potential trade implications for both nations. This ongoing saga points to the complexity of Sudan’s situation amid worsening internal and external pressures.
The RSF’s attempt to form a parallel government in Sudan highlights the deepening divisions within the country amidst ongoing conflict. The international response, particularly from the UN and Saudi Arabia, reflects the urgent need for preserving Sudan’s unity. If successful, this initiative poses significant risks to Sudan’s stability, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing violence and political turmoil.
Original Source: english.news.cn
