On February 18, 2025, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a charter in Nairobi to pursue a parallel government amidst ongoing conflict. The RSF faces serious backlash from human rights organizations due to its role in atrocities throughout the war that has caused significant casualties and displacements. The Sudanese military is reportedly gaining ground, further challenging RSF control.
On February 18, 2025, representatives of Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their allies, signed a charter in Nairobi, Kenya. This agreement is intended to pave the way for the establishment of a parallel government that includes various political leaders and armed factions. The signing ceremony was held discreetly and followed a previous meeting in a government building, which had faced condemnation from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry.
The RSF and signatories proclaimed their commitment to forming a government of peace and unity. Yet, this announcement raised concerns due to the ongoing accusations against the RSF for human rights violations, including allegations of atrocities and genocide that have occurred since the conflict with Sudan’s army escalated in April 2023.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of over 24,000 individuals and displaced approximately 14 million people, equating to nearly 30% of the nation’s population. The United Nations reported that around 3.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. Furthermore, in 2024, the U.N.’s human rights office documented in excess of 4,200 civilian killings, suggesting that actual figures may be significantly higher.
Recent developments indicate that Sudan’s military has gained considerable advantages in the conflict, inflicting serious setbacks on the RSF, which has lost control of significant areas, including the capital of Gezira province, Wad Medani, along with the prominent oil refinery. Additionally, the RSF appears to have lost its grip on the Greater Khartoum area, including Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri, further diminishing their influence.
The signing of the charter by the RSF and its allies marks a crucial point in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, even as human rights concerns loom large. With rising death tolls and staggering displacements, the RSF’s attempt to create a parallel government raises questions about the legitimacy and impact of such governance. The balance of power appears to be shifting towards Sudan’s military, raising the stakes for all parties involved.
Original Source: apnews.com
