In a significant turn of events, Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has declared the formation of a rival government, challenging the authority of the country’s armed forces. This announcement marks a pivotal moment as Sudan descends deeper into a conflict that has now become recognized as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, asserts that they are “building the only realistic future for Sudan.” This proclamation coincides with ongoing violence and instability across the nation, especially as bombings reported by the military target RSF positions near el-Fasher, prompting mass displacement from the nearby Zamzam refugee camp.
The backdrop of this declaration comes amidst a high-level conference held in London, commemorating the second anniversary of the conflict that began on April 15, 2023. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the need for “a pathway to peace” as the international community grapples with the dire circumstances in Sudan. As fighting continues, the situation on the ground remains grim, with the army conducting bombings that exacerbate the humanitarian fallout, pushing hundreds of thousands of individuals into precarious conditions as they flee violence.
Hemedti’s statement emphasizes his intent to create a “state of law” rather than one dominated by personalities. He insists that the RSF seeks to promote unity among various tribes, regions, and religions rather than permitting any singular entity to monopolize Sudanese identity. His ambitious agenda includes providing essential services like education and healthcare across the country, not just in RSF-controlled areas. However, these promises come amid alarming reports from the United Nations, which indicate that recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of over 400 individuals, with both the RSF and the Sudanese army facing accusations of war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence.
The struggle for power is starkly evident as Hemedti confronts army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Their rivalry has plunged the nation into chaos, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster that has already claimed more than 150,000 lives and displaced over 12 million people since the conflict’s inception. The latest wave of violence has seen significant turmoil in el-Fasher, with medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reporting that tens of thousands of refugees from the Zamzam camp are trekked approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) to reach safety in Tawila, where many arrived suffering from severe dehydration. Distressingly, there are reports of children succumbing to thirst along the way.
Humanitarian conditions in Sudan are dire, with reports indicating that over 700,000 individuals are facing famine-like situations in temporary camps surrounding el-Fasher. Security threats and roadblocks have severely hampered the delivery of critical aid, leaving many vulnerable to starvation and disease. Addressing these challenges, an international meeting in London resulted in the UK pledging an additional £120 million (approximately $159 million) in food and medical assistance, with Lammy stressing the moral obligation to not abandon the people of Sudan amid escalating atrocities. His poignant remarks emphasized the horrors encountered by civilians, including young children subjected to violence, framing the global response as a moral imperative.
At the conference, calls for an immediate and indefinite ceasefire were made, yet the African Union stated that it would not permit Sudan to be divided between the army and the RSF. Thus, the declaration by the RSF of a rival government exacerbates an already complex and tragic situation, highlighting the escalating conflict and humanitarian needs that require urgent international attention and intervention to restore peace and provide relief to the suffering populace of Sudan.