As the United States has expressed vigilance over allegedly targeted civilians in Darfur, the paramilitary swift support force declares rival powers in the region under its control.
Sudan’s Paramilitary Quick Support Forces (RSF) announced the formation of rival governments two years after the country descended into a brutal war that had tens of thousands of people dead, and then a brutal war that caused what the United Nations called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), declared on Tuesday the establishment of a “Government of Peace and Unity” in the areas under its control. The move directly challenges an army-led regime led by General Abdel Fatta al-Burhan.
“On this anniversary, we proudly declare the establishment of a government of peace and unity, a broad coalition that reflects the true face of Sudan,” Dagallo told the telegram.
The RSF and its allies had already signed the charter in Nairobi in February, suggesting their intention to form an alternative authority.
Dagallo said they have now approved the transition constitution. This was described as the “new Sudan roadmap.” The document proposes a 15-member chair council representing all regions of the country.
Experts have long warned that long-term conflicts risk permanently destroying Sudan. Shalas Srinivasan, a Sudanese expert at Cambridge University, told the AFP news agency that RSF’s Darfur retention could lead to “effective separation.”
Since the outbreak of the war on April 15, 2023, around 13 million people have been evacuated, and no political solution has been seen. The battle began after months of tension between the Sudanese troops and the RSF. They were once close allies who jointly led the 2021 coup that derailed the private-led transition.
US condemns RSF violence in Darfur
As the RSF seeks to consolidate control of western Sudan, paramilitary and its allied militias face new international scrutiny of their actions in the war.
The US on Tuesday criticized the RSF for attacking civilians at recent camps in Zamzam and Abu Shuk in the North Darfur region, a camp in Zamzam and Abu Shuk, home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
The UN said at least 300 civilians were killed in RSF attacks at the camp on Friday and Saturday.
“We are deeply wary of reports that the RSF is intentionally targeting civilians and humanitarian actors,” said Tammy Bruce, a spokesman for the US Department of State. She called on all political parties to respect international humanitarian law and to face accountability for violations.
Donor meeting
As Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepened, the UK held a donor conference in London, where international partners pledged to strengthen their support.
The European Union has pledged more than $592 million, while the UK has committed an additional $158 million.
“We need patient diplomacy,” said British Home Secretary David Lammy. “We cannot resign in the inevitable conflict. We cannot return here in a year with the same argument.”
Sudan’s military alliance government criticized the rally and noted that no representatives from either faction were invited.
The co-chair of the conference issued a unified call for an immediate ceasefire and a transition to civilian rule, underscoring the importance of preventing the division of Sudan and not obstructing external stakeholders.
Source link
