Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups have signed a transitional constitution aimed at creating a parallel government amid ongoing conflict with the army. This agreement comes during a violent two-year war characterized by humanitarian crises. The new constitution proposes a federal, secular state and outlines plans for a unified national army and eventual elections, although the timeline remains unspecified.
In a significant move amid ongoing conflict, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied factions have ratified a transitional constitution aimed at establishing a parallel government. This development comes during a two-year war against the army that has escalated tensions and unrest across the country. Violence, including mass displacements and severe humanitarian crises, has intensified as the RSF struggles to maintain its position in the conflict.
On Tuesday, the RSF escalated the hostilities by launching a drone strike against Sudan’s primary power generation facility at the Merowe Dam, leading to widespread power outages in the northern regions. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has reported territorial advancements in Sharg el-Nil, outlining strategies to encircle RSF forces in Khartoum.
The newly established constitution is intended to replace the previous one enacted after the military ousted long-standing dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Following a coup in 2021 that interrupted the shift toward civilian governance, recent tensions erupted into open conflict in April 2023 as ambitions for a renewed transition surfaced.
In February, the RSF and its allies tentatively agreed to the creation of a government referred to as “New Sudan,” thereby attempting to enhance their legitimacy against the current army-dominated administration while facilitating arms acquisitions. The constitution endorses a federal and secular state partitioned into eight regions and proposes a bill of rights that includes provisions for self-determination under specific conditions.
Additionally, it emphasizes the formation of a unified national army, with participants in the agreement as its nucleus. Although the transition plan mentions future elections, no specific timeline is established. Notably, the signatories encompass influential groups, such as the SPLM-N, which oversees substantial territories in South Kordofan, alongside other minor factions.
While RSF representatives express intentions to form the new government imminently, uncertainties remain regarding its composition and operational base. The situation continues to evolve as the humanitarian ramifications of the ongoing conflict deepen, necessitating close observation and intervention.
The signing of the transitional constitution by Sudan’s RSF and allied groups marks a crucial step toward establishing a parallel government amidst ongoing conflict with the army. This development highlights the complexities of Sudan’s internal dynamics, including the humanitarian crises that persist due to the warfare. As plans for a new governmental structure are articulated, uncertainty reigns regarding governance execution and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
