On February 18, 2025, Sudan’s RSF and allies signed a charter to form a parallel government in Nairobi. The agreement comes amid ongoing conflicts with the Sudanese military, which has made significant territorial gains. The war has led to extensive loss of life and displacement, raising international concerns over human rights violations by the RSF.
Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alongside their allies, formalized an agreement on Sunday that facilitates the creation of a parallel government amid ongoing conflicts with Sudan’s military. This significant signing ceremony took place in Nairobi, Kenya, behind closed doors, despite prior controversies surrounding a public meeting held in a Kenyan government building condemned by Sudan’s Foreign Ministry.
The parties involved in the charter assert their intention to form a government centered on principles of “peace and unity.” However, this initiative faces skepticism from human rights organizations and the international community, particularly due to allegations against the RSF for committing severe human rights violations and acts of genocide since the outbreak of war in April 2023.
The United Nations reported that the conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 24,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 14 million individuals, around 30% of the population. Neighboring countries have seen an influx of about 3.2 million Sudanese refugees. In 2024, the U.N.’s human rights office noted that more than 4,200 civilian deaths were documented, though the actual number is likely higher.
Recent developments suggest that Sudan’s military has gained the upper hand in the conflict, as the RSF has experienced significant losses, such as ceding control over Wad Medani and surrounding areas. Additionally, the military has regained control of Sudan’s largest oil refinery and seems to have lost authority in major urban areas including Greater Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum Bahri.
The recent signing of the Sudan Founding Charter by the RSF and its allies marks a crucial yet controversial step towards establishing a parallel government amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Despite claims of striving for peace and unity, the actions and history of the RSF contribute to significant global concern over human rights abuses. The swift changes in military control indicate a shift in power dynamics, underlining the complexities of Sudan’s current political landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
