Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing, has signed a charter to establish a rival government with allied groups in Kenya. Despite concerns from human rights organizations and the international community, the RSF plans to create a “government of peace and unity” in Sudan. The document outlines a secular, democratic state with a single national army, but its recognition is unlikely given the ongoing conflict and opposition from the army-aligned government.
The RSF’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’, was absent from the signing ceremony, while other key figures like rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu and deputy Abdel Rahim Dagalo signed. The charter aims to unify Sudan and end the war, but critics argue that it is a power grab by armed groups seeking to divide the country.
The international community has expressed concerns about the RSF’s actions in Darfur, where they have been accused of carrying out ethnic cleansing and genocide. The United Nations warned that the signing could increase the fragmentation of Sudan and worsen the crisis.
Sudan’s army has made significant gains against the RSF in recent days, regaining control over key cities like el-Gitaina. However, the conflict remains ongoing, with thousands dead and millions displaced due to famine and hunger. The RSF’s actions have been widely condemned by human rights organizations and countries around the world.
In a statement, Sudan’s foreign minister Ali Youssef said that his government would not recognize the parallel government created by the rebel groups. The international community will likely watch with interest as this development unfolds and its implications for Sudan’s future become clearer.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/23/sudans-rsf-allies-sign-charter-for-rival-government-despite-criticisms