NAIROBI, Kenya – Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has declared the formation of a rival government to the country’s armed forces, two years into a devastating conflict that has escalated into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the leader of the RSF, declared that his group was “building the only realistic future for Sudan,” rejecting accusations of seeking domination and instead promoting unity and the rule of law for the country.
Speaking on Telegram, Hemedti emphasized that no tribe, region, or religion should have a monopoly over Sudanese identity, and pledged that his administration would provide essential services like education and healthcare to all Sudanese, regardless of territory controlled by the RSF.
The announcement of the rival government coincided with a high-level conference in London, marking the second anniversary of the war.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for a “pathway to peace” and stressed the moral imperative of continued international aid and support for Sudan.
The conflict has raged for two years, with the army and RSF accused of committing war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence.
Recent reports by the UN have indicated that more than 400 people have died in recent RSF attacks, with thousands more displaced by the ongoing violence.
The latest fighting in the capital of North Darfur, el-Fasher, has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee, with many making a perilous 70km trek to Tawila, suffering from dehydration and, tragically, losing children along the way.
Humanitarian agencies have painted a dire picture of famine-like conditions, with more than 700,000 people in camps around el-Fasher facing shortages of food and medical aid.
The ongoing conflict, coupled with roadblocks and security threats, has hampered the delivery of essential assistance.
In response, the UK has pledged an additional £120 million in food and medical aid, with Lammy urging the world not to turn a blind eye to the suffering in Sudan.
“It is morally wrong to ignore the plight of Sudan’s civilians,” Lammy said, highlighting the devastating toll the war has taken on the country’s population.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire, but the African Union has made it clear that it will not tolerate the partition of Sudan by either the army or the RSF, underscoring the need for a unified and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
