Nairobi — After weeks of speculation, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have officially signed a charter in Nairobi to establish a parallel government in rebel-held areas, advocating for a secular state and a unified national army.
The charter, signed on Saturday, was endorsed by signatories Al-Hadi Idris and Ibrahim Al-Mirghani, who confirmed the development to Reuters. The signing ceremony was attended by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader in South Kordofan state, known for his push for secularism in Sudan.
The charter outlines Sudan as a “secular, democratic, non-centralised state” and promotes a unified national army while allowing armed groups to continue existing. The RSF emphasized that the initiative aims to unify the nation and end the ongoing conflict, criticizing the army-aligned government in Port Sudan for failing to achieve peace.
Kenya’s role as host for the signing has drawn criticism from Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which condemned President William Ruto’s administration for allegedly siding with the RSF. The backlash follows an RSF event in Nairobi on February 18 aimed at building alliances with political figures and armed groups.
General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the RSF and sanctioned by the United States for alleged human rights abuses, including genocide, was notably absent.
In response, Kenya’s Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary denied allegations of bias in the 22-month conflict, maintaining its position as a peace advocate. “The crisis in Sudan demands regional and global attention. Kenya remains at the forefront of seeking solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan,” the statement read.
The situation continues to unfold, with diplomatic tensions high and regional stability at stake.