The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies signed a charter in Nairobi, Kenya, to form a parallel government amid ongoing conflict with Sudan’s army. The signing draws criticism from human rights organizations over the RSF’s alleged atrocities. The conflict has resulted in over 24,000 deaths and substantial displacement of civilians, while the military has regained significant territory.
On February 18, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, representatives of Sudan’s paramilitary force, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and their allies convened to sign a foundational charter aimed at creating a parallel government. This initiative involves key political and military leaders intending to establish a framework for what they term a government of “peace and unity.”
The closed-door signing ceremony has drawn criticism, particularly following a previous meeting in a Kenyan government building that stirred condemnation from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry. Concerns are rife regarding the humanitarian implications, as numerous human rights organizations and the international community have accused the RSF of grave violations, including alleged genocidal actions amid the ongoing conflict with Sudan’s military since April 2023.
The protracted conflict in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with over 24,000 fatalities reported and approximately 14 million individuals displaced, constituting around 30% of the nation’s population, according to United Nations assessments. The U.N. also documented over 4,200 civilian deaths in 2024, suggesting that the total may be significantly higher.
Amidst these challenges, Sudan’s military has gained ground, capitalizing on the RSF’s losses, including the recent recapture of strategic locations such as the city of Wad Medani and the country’s largest oil refinery. The RSF has evidently lost control over key urban areas, including Greater Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum Bahri, leading to a critical shift in power dynamics.
The signing of the Sudan Founding Charter by the RSF and its allies marks a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, aiming to establish a parallel government amid severe humanitarian crises. The international community remains apprehensive about the RSF’s actions and the broader implications for stability in Sudan. As the military regains control, the situation continues to evolve, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict that respects human rights and promotes peace.
Original Source: apnews.com
