Sudan Faces Potential Partition as RSF Declares Rival Government

The RSF of Sudan has declared a self-proclaimed ‘Government of Peace and Unity,’ deepening the country’s tumult and risking further territorial fragmentation. The RSF’s initiative is seen by analysts as an attempt to entrench divisions while facing military setbacks. The international community has expressed concerns regarding the move, signaling that Sudan’s fragmented status could persist without intervention, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

On February 23, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan proclaimed the establishment of a self-proclaimed “Government of Peace and Unity,” a move viewed as a troubling escalation amidst the ongoing conflict. The RSF has gained notoriety for severe human rights violations throughout the war, which erupted in April 2023, displacing over 14 million citizens and contributing to widespread famine in the region. This latest declaration threatens to further destabilize an already fractured Sudan, extending its de facto partition.

The creation of a breakaway government by the RSF marks a significant fracture within Sudan’s military structure, particularly after the RSF separated from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The SAF had previously shared power with civilian leaders following the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. However, ongoing power struggles between the RSF and SAF have dashed democratic aspirations and left civilian populations vulnerable amid escalating violence.

Signed in Nairobi, Kenya, the RSF’s charter outlines its intentions to govern the territories it controls, primarily in western Sudan, notably in regions like Darfur and parts of Kordofan. It proposes the creation of “a secular, democratic, decentralized state” and a professional national army. Yet, some analysts interpret this charter as a façade designed to obscure the RSF’s documented history of war crimes and atrocities, which have led to the organization being labeled as engaging in genocide by the United States.

The RSF’s government declaration could further entrench existing divisions rather than unify the country, with experts likening the situation to the prolonged conflict in Libya, though they caution that Sudan’s circumstances are unique. With increasing tensions, the RSF’s attempt to establish legitimacy may reflect desperation following military setbacks, rather than a genuine move towards governance.

Despite reports of the RSF gaining certain political endorsements, the SAF has rebuked the RSF’s unilateral government formation, viewing it as a direct threat to national cohesion. The situation remains highly dynamic, as the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reinforces its positions. Continued military progress by the SAF risks establishing a more permanent division, potentially solidifying the RSF’s grip on the west amid national fragmentation.

Tensions also extend to the international arena, with global reactions highlighting an urgent concern regarding the RSF’s rival government declaration. The United Nations has expressed alarm, warning that the move could exacerbate the fragmentation and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Several countries in the MENA region criticized the RSF’s actions, further complicating the geopolitical landscape with external interests interplaying with Sudan’s internal strife.

In conclusion, the RSF’s declaration of a rival government deepens the fissures within Sudan, complicating its political landscape without shifting the power balance significantly. If the international community continues to respond passively, Sudan’s de facto partition risks becoming an unsettling and longstanding reality, as both regional and global powers vie for influence amidst the chaos woven into the nation’s fabric.

In summary, the RSF’s recent formation of a rival government highlights the severe fracturing of Sudan’s political landscape, exacerbating existing territorial divisions and complicating prospects for national unity. While this declaration may appear to provide a strategic advantage for the RSF, it simultaneously faces immense challenges due to military setbacks and international disapproval. Without significant intervention and resolution efforts, the trajectory towards an entrenched partition could lead to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Original Source: www.newarab.com