Sudan’s paramilitary groups declare a rival government in the wake of a worsening humanitarian crisis

Sudan’s RSF has declared a parallel government, intensifying a two-year conflict that has caused widespread displacement and the worst humanitarian disaster in history.

The two-year battle that has turned into the biggest humanitarian disaster in the world has intensified after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the creation of a rival government in Sudan. As he announced the news on Tuesday, RSF head Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo said his organization was “building the only realistic future for Sudan”.

As fierce combat between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, continued, the announcement was made. In North Darfur, the army reported bombing RSF positions close to el-Fasher, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee, including those living in the already overcrowded Zamzam refugee camp.

Hemedti said the newly formed RSF administration will put a “state of law,” rather than one governed by individuals, as its top priority in a statement shared on Telegram. “We want unity, not dominance.” We think that Sudanese identity is not monopolized by any one tribe, area, or religion,” he stated.

Additionally, he stated that the new administration will offer essential services, such as healthcare and education, not just in regions under RSF control but throughout the entire nation.

Recent attacks led by the RSF have reportedly killed over 400 civilians, the United Nations said, citing reliable sources. According to the UN authority, the army and the RSF have both committed war crimes, such as widespread sexual violence and genocide.

More than 150,000 people have been dead and almost 12 million have been displaced by the conflict since it started on April 15, 2023. The most recent round of violence in El-Fasher has compelled tens of thousands of villagers to walk 70 kilometers to Tawila. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that many of them arrived badly dehydrated, and some of the children died of thirst while traveling.

In the el-Fasher area, almost 700,000 people are currently at risk from famine-like conditions. Delivering life-saving goods has become practically difficult due to security risks and obstacles, according to aid organizations.

The RSF was announced on the same day that the second anniversary of the conflict was marked at a high-level donor conference in London. Humanitarian aid for Sudan has been increased by £120 million ($159 million), according to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He pleaded with the world community to stay with the nation during its most dire times.

It is absolutely unacceptable that many people have given up on Sudan when we witness so many civilians being decapitated, infants as young as one being sexually assaulted, and more people suffering from famine than anyplace else in the world. We can’t shut our eyes,” Lammy remarked.

An immediate and lasting ceasefire was also demanded at the summit. That being said, the African Union has opposed the idea of dividing Sudan between the RSF and the army.