RSF Rebels Declare Alternative Government in Sudan

Rebels have announced the formation of an alternative government, in a country that has been at war for two years that has caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

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The leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, said the group had “created the true future of Sudan”.

The announcement came as London hosted a high-level meeting to mark the second anniversary of the conflict, where British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for “peace”.

Fighting continued, with the army saying it had bombed RSF positions outside the town of el-Fasher, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the Zamzam refugee camp.

Hemedti said RSF is building a “nation of laws” and not a state ruled by individuals.

“We do not seek dominance but unity. We believe that no tribe, region or religion holds the identity of Sudan,” his statement on Telegram read.

He added that his government would provide essential services such as education and health to not only the areas controlled by RSF, but the entire country.

More than 400 people have been killed in recent RSF attacks, according to the United Nations, citing “credible sources”.

Two years into the war, the army and the RSF have been accused of war crimes, including genocide and widespread sexual violence.

Hemedti has been in a power struggle with Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, since April 15, 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced more than 12 million.

The latest fighting in North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, has forced tens of thousands of civilians from the Zamzam refugee camp to walk 70 kilometers (43 miles) to the town of Tawila, according to the medical charity MSF.

Many arrived dehydrated and some children are reported to have died of thirst.

Humanitarian agencies have reported famine-like conditions facing more than 700,000 people in makeshift camps near El-Fasher, with security threats and roadblocks hindering the delivery of vital aid.