Sudan is embroiled in a two-year conflict marked by widespread violence and humanitarian emergency, culminating in the parastatal Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announcing a rival government amid ongoing warfare.
Paramilitary Group Escalates Conflict with Rival Government Declaration in Sudan
Paramilitary Group Escalates Conflict with Rival Government Declaration in Sudan
An alarming declaration from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces further complicates the humanitarian crisis as they claim authority against the official army.
Sudan’s paramilitaries have made a contentious declaration, forming a rival government to challenge the armed forces, amid devastation and widespread displacement. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, stated their commitment to creating a realistic and hopeful future for Sudan, as violence and tragedy escalate in the country.
During an address on Telegram, Hemedti emphasized that the RSF is focused on building a "state of law," insisting on unity across the diverse ethnic landscape of Sudan. He pledged to furnish essential services such as healthcare and education to all citizens, notwithstanding the regions they occupy.
The declaration comes as the ongoing conflict has claimed over 150,000 lives and resulted in more than 12 million people being displaced since April 2023. Recent clashes in North Darfur, particularly in the city of el-Fasher, have exacerbated this situation, prompting mass evacuations from the Zamzam refugee camp, leaving many civilians struggling to survive under dire conditions.
The international community, represented by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at a conference aimed at addressing the crisis, has underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire. The UK government announced an additional £120m ($159m) for food and medical aid, urging global partners to not ignore the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Sudan.
The RSF's rise and promise of governance are interwoven with allegations of war crimes, which both the RSF and the army stand accused of committing over the past two years. As the hope for a peaceful resolution remains tenuous, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire continues to grow increasingly precarious.
During an address on Telegram, Hemedti emphasized that the RSF is focused on building a "state of law," insisting on unity across the diverse ethnic landscape of Sudan. He pledged to furnish essential services such as healthcare and education to all citizens, notwithstanding the regions they occupy.
The declaration comes as the ongoing conflict has claimed over 150,000 lives and resulted in more than 12 million people being displaced since April 2023. Recent clashes in North Darfur, particularly in the city of el-Fasher, have exacerbated this situation, prompting mass evacuations from the Zamzam refugee camp, leaving many civilians struggling to survive under dire conditions.
The international community, represented by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at a conference aimed at addressing the crisis, has underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire. The UK government announced an additional £120m ($159m) for food and medical aid, urging global partners to not ignore the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Sudan.
The RSF's rise and promise of governance are interwoven with allegations of war crimes, which both the RSF and the army stand accused of committing over the past two years. As the hope for a peaceful resolution remains tenuous, the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire continues to grow increasingly precarious.
