The African Union has warned that the RSF’s announcement of a parallel government in Sudan poses a significant risk of partitioning the country, already affected by intense conflict and humanitarian crises. The EU and the UN have echoed this concern, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Sudan’s territorial integrity amidst the ongoing violence.
On Wednesday, the African Union (AU) cautioned that the declaration of a parallel government by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan presents a significant risk of partitioning the already war-torn nation. Since April 2023, the RSF has been in a fierce conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 12 million individuals. The original conflict arose from disputes regarding the integration of the RSF into the national army, leading to a fragmented control over various regions of Sudan.
The RSF has recently established a ‘founding charter’ for a parallel government in Nairobi, claiming to aim for peace and unity in rebel-controlled territories. This charter envisions the creation of a democratic and secular state, devoid of biases based on culture, ethnicity, religion, or region. In response, the AU declared it would not recognize any government or entity that seeks to partition Sudan or disrupt its institutional integrity.
The European Union echoed the AU’s sentiments, underscoring its commitment to Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity. The EU emphasized that the RSF’s initiative risks exacerbating the situation and undermining the aspirations for a democratic, inclusive governance in Sudan. Last week, the United Nations Security Council expressed grave concerns regarding developments linked to this parallel government, indicating potential deterioration in the humanitarian crisis already gripping the nation.
Moreover, Sudan has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide through its alleged support of the RSF, a claim that the UAE has strongly denied. The conflict, described by the UN as an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Africa, has resulted in widespread famine in parts of the country, affecting nearly 25 million individuals facing severe food insecurity.
In summary, the African Union warns that the RSF’s announcement of a parallel government in Sudan threatens to deepen the country’s existing divisions and humanitarian crises. The international community, including the EU and the UN Security Council, recognizes the gravity of the situation and remains committed to preserving Sudan’s unity. As the conflict continues, millions are at risk from food insecurity and violence, marking a critical juncture for Sudan’s governance and stability.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
