The RSF’s declaration of a rival government in Sudan on February 23, 2023, highlights deep internal fractures and threatens the nation’s stability. Amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises, the power struggle between the RSF and SAF leads to potential territorial division, indicating a move towards de facto partition. The international community has expressed concern, warning that this development could exacerbate existing tensions and disrupt peaceful resolution efforts.
On February 23, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan declared the formation of a self-proclaimed ‘Government of Peace and Unity.’ This development occurs amidst ongoing conflict and famine, with over 14 million civilians displaced since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, demonstrating the RSF’s attempt to seize power while threatening the country’s territorial integrity.
The RSF’s announcement underscores the internal fractures within Sudan. Following the RSF’s departure from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the fragile coalition formed after the 2019 revolution has been destabilized by escalating violence. Citizens now face uncertainty as the power struggle between the RSF and SAF undermines efforts toward democracy and stability in Sudan.
The RSF’s charter, signed in Nairobi, Kenya, aims to reorganize governance in the territories it controls, primarily in western Sudan, including Darfur and parts of Kordofan. The document professes a commitment to establishing a secular and democratic state, alongside forming a unified national army. However, analysts view these claims as attempts by the RSF to obscure its track record of violence and war crimes.
Despite comparisons to Libya’s protracted conflict, analysts stress that Sudan’s situation presents unique challenges. The RSF’s actions serve to deepen existing divisions, particularly amid their military setbacks. The reality of a de facto partition is already evident; about one-third of Sudan remains under RSF control, particularly in Darfur, with the formation of their parallel government viewed as a mere public relations maneuver to regain legitimacy.
The Sudanese military, under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has denounced the RSF’s government as a threat to national unity. The SAF has achieved significant victories around Greater Khartoum, retaking important territories from the RSF. If these gains sustain, the divided control of Sudan could harden, leading to detrimental consequences for the humanitarian situation in the country.
International responses to the RSF’s actions have raised concerns regarding further instability in Sudan. The United Nations has cautioned that the formation of a parallel government could exacerbate fragmentation, hindering peace efforts. Various MENA nations have criticized the RSF’s actions, emphasizing the need for national stability.
Geopolitical interests further complicate the situation, with external powers such as Iran, China, and Turkey supplying military support to the SAF, while Russia shifts its support towards the SAF. Conversely, the RSF’s ties to the United Arab Emirates have drawn scrutiny, with experts likening its governance claims to illegitimate entities.
The RSF’s declaration of a rival government highlights and intensifies Sudan’s existing political divides rather than shifting power dynamics. The international community’s passive approach may soon allow the current crisis to solidify into a permanent de facto partition as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
In conclusion, the RSF’s establishment of a rival government signals a critical juncture for Sudan, further highlighting internal fractures and the potential for territorial division. With the ongoing power struggles between the RSF and SAF, the humanitarian crisis may continue to worsen, complicating peace efforts and regional stability. The international community’s response thus far has been passive, which could enable the situation to deepen into an entrenched reality of partition.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
