Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces, has announced a new government and a commitment to building a lawful state as fighting continues amid a major humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Sudan.
Sudan's Paramilitaries Establish Rival Government Amidst Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan's Paramilitaries Establish Rival Government Amidst Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
In a striking declaration, Sudan's paramilitary forces have formed their own government, escalating tensions with the military two years into a devastating conflict.
Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has announced the establishment of a rival government to the armed forces, deepening the crisis that has engulfed the nation for two years. The leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, proclaimed that the group is forging the "only realistic future for Sudan," coinciding with an international conference held in London aimed at addressing the escalating humanitarian disaster.
As fighting intensified, the Sudanese army reported airstrikes on RSF positions encircling el-Fasher, leading to mass displacements from the nearby Zamzam refugee camp. Hemedti emphasized that the RSF seeks to create a government grounded in the rule of law, rather than personal power, claiming that their vision encompasses services like education and healthcare for all Sudanese, irrespective of their allegiances.
Recent violence has resulted in over 400 fatalities, and the ongoing war has inflicted an immeasurable toll on civilians, with allegations of war crimes and humanitarian violations permeating both sides of the conflict. A power struggle between Hemedti and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the army, has exacerbated conditions, pushing the death toll to more than 150,000 and displacing upwards of 12 million.
Reports from medical charities illustrate the dire circumstances facing civilians, with many refugees undertaking treacherous journeys to safety, suffering from dehydration, and young children succumbing to thirst along the way. Conditions in temporary camps around el-Fasher have been described as famine-like, with critical supplies hindered by security issues.
During the recent conference, the UK pledged an additional £120 million ($159 million) for essential food and medical relief, cautioning the global community against neglecting the plight of Sudan. "It is morally wrong to overlook the civilian suffering, with reports of heinous violence driving evictions and hunger," stated UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The discussions also included urgent calls for a ceasefire, yet the African Union remains resolute against any partitions between the military and paramilitary forces.
