The African Union (AU) has strongly rejected the formation of a parallel government by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), warning that the move risks further fracturing a country already devastated by conflict.
The AU’s firm condemnation aims to preserve Sudan’s territorial integrity and discourage secessionist ambitions amid a protracted civil war.
On July 26, the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group engaged in violent clashes with Sudan’s national army, announced the appointment of a prime minister from South Kordofan to lead this rival administration. T
he so-called parallel government intends to exert control over RSF-held areas, mainly parts of Darfur, Kordofan, and southern localities—escalating fears of a divided Sudan.
In an official statement on July 30, the AU Peace and Security Council deplored the RSF’s move, asserting it “seriously compromises peace efforts and the very future of Sudan.”
The council underscored its unwavering support for Sudan’s territorial and institutional unity and “unequivocally” condemned any foreign interference in the conflict—a clear reference to accusations against the United Arab Emirates for allegedly providing military support to the RSF, which Abu Dhabi denies.
The AU’s stance is echoed by several regional and international bodies. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) denounced the parallel government as having “serious repercussions for the unity of Sudan.” The Arab League and Saudi Arabia joined the chorus, urging respect for Sudan’s official institutions. Egypt, a key ally of Sudan’s army, promptly condemned the RSF’s move, vowing to reject “any form of division of Sudan.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the military forces of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 14 million people. The United Nations describes the situation as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
In this fraught environment, the African Union’s call seeks to stem further disintegration and salvage what remains of Sudan’s unity.
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