Sudan’s RSF, accused of genocide, signs charter to form rival government

The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies have signed a charter aimed at establishing a "government of peace and unity." Despite concerns expressed by human rights organizations and the international community, the signatories state their commitment to forming a new government. The Rapid Support Forces have been accused of crimes against humanity during the 20-month war.

The signing ceremony was held behind closed doors in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, but it is unclear whether the document was signed on Saturday night or Sunday. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been making progress against the Rapid Support Forces in the capital, Khartoum, and other areas, and the government is not expected to be widely recognized. This situation highlights the ongoing instability and fragmentation within Sudan.

International human rights organizations and countries, including the United States, have accused the Rapid Support Forces of carrying out ethnic cleansing and even genocide. However, this charter indicates that Sudan's division is deepening, as the Rapid Support Forces are focusing on the western Darfur region while facing setbacks in other areas. The RSF's actions are further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation.

According to the text of the charter, the signatories agree that Sudan should become a "secular, democratic, and decentralized state" with a unified national army, but retaining the right for armed groups to continue to exist. The war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (former allies) broke out after a dispute over the timeline for the Rapid Support Forces' integration into the army. This disagreement underscores the deep-seated tensions and power struggles within the Sudanese military.

The charter, led by the Rapid Support Forces, states that the government's existence is not to divide the country but to unify it and end the war, and accuses the army-aligned government operating from Port Sudan of failing to accomplish these tasks. Those who signed the charter include Abdelaziz al-Hilu, an influential rebel leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), who controls large areas and armies in South Kordofan state and has long demanded that Sudan embrace secularism. Abdul Rahim Dagalo, the brother and deputy of Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ("Hemedti"), also signed the agreement; notably, Hemedti himself was not present. Hadi Idris, a former official and head of an armed group, said the formation of the government would be announced inside the country in the coming days. This move signals a potential shift in the power dynamics within Sudan.

The army-aligned government has stated that it will not recognize a parallel government established by rebel groups. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef said on Sunday: "We will not accept any other country recognizing the so-called parallel government." Meanwhile, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the move could "exacerbate the division of the country and potentially worsen the crisis." The international community remains deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this parallel government.

The charter was signed as the Sudanese army claimed on Sunday that it had regained control of the city of Geteina after destroying Rapid Support Forces troops and opening the road to the city of Obeid. The Rapid Support Forces occupied most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan during the war but are being pushed back from central Sudan by the Sudanese army. These military developments are constantly reshaping the conflict landscape.

The conflict has devastated the country, causing an "unprecedented" humanitarian crisis and leaving half the population facing hunger, with famine emerging in several areas. According to the United Nations, the conflict has also killed more than 20,000 people and displaced more than 14 million. An estimated 3.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries. The Rapid Support Forces' Hemedti was sanctioned by the United States earlier this year. He had previously shared power with the army and civilian politicians as part of an agreement after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The two forces overthrew the civilian politicians in a coup in 2021, after which the war broke out. The long-term effects of this conflict will be felt for years to come.