Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the formation of a rival government, intensifying a two-year conflict that has plunged the country into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo declared the move as an effort to build “the only realistic future for Sudan,” claiming to establish a “state of law” in contrast to the military regime led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The announcement came as the UK hosted a high-level conference in London to mark the second anniversary of the war. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an urgent pathway to peace, unveiling £120 million ($159 million) in new aid for Sudan, including food and medical supplies.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continued, particularly around the key city of el-Fasher in North Darfur. Sudan’s army said it had bombed RSF positions near the area, triggering the mass displacement of residents from Zamzam refugee camp, one of the largest in the region. The medical charity MSF reported that tens of thousands fled on foot to Tawila, 70 km away, with many arriving severely dehydrated and some children reportedly dying of thirst.
In his statement, Hemedti promised to deliver education, healthcare, and essential services not only in RSF-controlled areas but across Sudan. He emphasized inclusivity, stating, “We do not seek domination, but unity. No tribe, region, or religion holds a monopoly over Sudanese identity.” However, the UN and human rights monitors report that the RSF has been responsible for over 400 civilian deaths in recent weeks, citing credible evidence of war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence. Both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces stand accused of systematic atrocities since the outbreak of the war on April 15, 2023.
The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced more than 12 million people, with 700,000 facing famine-like conditions. Aid deliveries have been repeatedly blocked by violence, roadblocks, and insecurity, particularly in Darfur. The African Union, responding to the RSF’s announcement, reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s territorial integrity, vowing to resist any attempt to partition the country. International leaders at the London conference echoed calls for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of inclusive peace talks.
Lammy condemned the atrocities and the global apathy surrounding the conflict: “Many have given up on Sudan – that is wrong… More people face famine here than anywhere else in the world. We simply cannot look away.”
