Sudan’s RSF Rebels and Allies Sign Pact in Nairobi to Form Parallel Government

In a significant move amidst Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allied groups have signed a charter establishing the framework for a parallel government. This decision comes at a time when Sudan’s army has recently made notable advances against the rival factions. The charter was signed behind closed doors in Nairobi, Kenya, following a highly publicized meeting in a government-owned building last week, which was met with condemnation from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry.
The RSF and its allies are vowing to form a government based on the principles of “peace and unity,” despite the widespread concerns from human rights organizations and the international community. These groups have accused the RSF of committing atrocities, including genocide, since the group’s violent conflict with Sudan’s army began in April 2023.
The RSF, which has been a central player in Sudan’s instability, first rose to prominence during the Darfur conflict and has since become a key force in the country’s political and military landscape. As the battle between the RSF and Sudan’s army continues, the formation of a parallel government by the RSF risks deepening the nation’s already severe divisions and making peace even more elusive.
The agreement, which took place in Nairobi, a city that has become a diplomatic hub for negotiations in East Africa, further complicates the diplomatic landscape of Sudan. While Kenya’s involvement in facilitating the meeting has been widely noted, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry quickly condemned the Kenyan government’s facilitation of the meeting, accusing it of interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with ongoing fighting causing mass displacement, casualties, and humanitarian suffering. International actors, including the United Nations, have expressed concern over the escalating violence and the failure to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. Despite calls for negotiations, Sudan continues to be embroiled in a violent conflict that shows little sign of resolution in the near future.
The signing of this new charter raises important questions about the future of Sudan, as the RSF and its allies seek to solidify their political and military positions, while the government in Khartoum, led by the Sudanese army, continues its struggle for control