Sudan’s RSF Establishes Parallel Government to Challenge Military Authority
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are forming a parallel government to challenge the army-led administration and gain diplomatic legitimacy and military support. Following a political charter signed in Kenya, they aim to establish a ‘Government of Peace and Unity.’ The RSF claims the current government employs divisive tactics, and they seek international recognition while facing military challenges in ongoing conflicts. International response has been cautious, with concerns over peace prospects in Sudan.
A new parallel government is being established by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a strategy to gain diplomatic legitimacy and enhance access to advanced military resources. This initiative, according to politicians aligned with the RSF, is intended to challenge the army-led government that currently enjoys broad international recognition despite being forced to relocate to Port Sudan due to ongoing conflicts. The RSF signed a political charter in Kenya with various political entities, planning to create a ‘Government of Peace and Unity’ from within Sudan shortly.
The RSF asserts that the current government has undermined the nation through divisive tactics, including airstrikes and the blockade of humanitarian aid, further asserting their claim to legitimacy. Al-Hadi Idris, a leader of a faction supporting the new government, declared, “We are not a parallel government and we are not a government in exile, we are the legitimate government.” Political supporter Ibrahim al-Mirghani indicated that the new government aims to engage with international platforms to counter the army’s influence.
The RSF’s efforts coincide with foreign support for the current government, which has backing from countries such as Egypt and is part of international organizations, although it has been suspended from the African Union due to past actions. Analysts suggest that the RSF’s planned government is aimed at managing humanitarian aid flow and accessing arms markets, enhancing leverage during future peace talks. The RSF has reportedly received military support during the conflict, including drones, while the army has accused the UAE of supplying weapons to the RSF.
Despite the RSF’s denial of intentions to acquire weapons through the claimed government, Idris maintains that they require military capacities to protect the populace. The army, in contrast, has condemned the RSF’s action as an attempt to escalate the conflict. Concerns have also been raised internationally, with the UN and the United States expressing disapproval of the RSF’s charter, viewing it as detrimental to peace prospects in Sudan.
As military engagements continue with the army pushing on the RSF, recent developments show the RSF has lost significant ground in the capital while maintaining control over the Darfur region. The unexpected alliance with the SPLM-N, a rebel group seeking a secular state, emphasizes a shared vision for a unified Sudan, described in the signed charter as a federalist ‘New Sudan’. The SPLM-N leaders see this partnership as an opportunity for financial and military support, aiming to address historical tribal conflicts against a backdrop of military authoritarianism.
The establishment of a parallel government by Sudan’s RSF illustrates a significant political maneuver aimed at contesting existing military authority and seeking international recognition. The RSF’s alliances pose potential implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts amidst ongoing violent conflicts. Despite international concerns, the dynamics of military support and political legitimacy continue to evolve, underscoring the complexities of Sudan’s struggle for peace and governance.
Original Source: www.usnews.com