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Sudan Conflict Deepens as Paramilitaries Announce Rival Government Amid Humanitarian Crisis
In a significant escalation of the ongoing Sudan conflict, paramilitary forces have declared the formation of an alternative administration to the nation’s armed forces. This development unfolds as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan reaches unprecedented levels after two years of war.
RSF Leader Hemedti Proclaims New Vision for Sudan
Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), asserted that his group is “constructing the only viable future for Sudan.” This announcement arrives as London hosted a high-level conference marking the second anniversary of the devastating Sudan conflict.
During the conference, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy advocated for “a pathway to peace,” highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation. However, on the ground, fighting persisted, with the Sudanese army reporting aerial bombardments of RSF positions outside el-Fasher. These clashes have forced hundreds of thousands to flee the Zamzam refugee camp, exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis.
RSF Pledges “State of Law” and Essential Services
Hemedti stated that the RSF aims to establish a “state of law,” contrasting it with a system dominated by individuals. In a statement released on Telegram, he emphasized, “We do not seek hegemony, but unity. We believe that no tribe, region, or religion holds a monopoly over Sudanese identity.”
He further claimed that his proposed government would deliver essential services, including education and healthcare, across Sudan, extending beyond RSF-controlled territories.
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Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Catastrophe
Recent assaults by the RSF have resulted in over 400 fatalities, according to UN reports citing “reliable sources.” The two-year conflict has seen both the army and RSF facing accusations of war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence, deepening the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The power struggle between Hemedti and Sudan’s army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which began on April 15, 2023, has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The conflict has tragically claimed more than 150,000 lives and displaced over 12 million people.
Famine Looms as Civilians Flee El-Fasher
The recent intensification of fighting in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has compelled tens of thousands of civilians from the Zamzam refugee camp to undertake a perilous 70km journey to Tawila, as reported by medical charity MSF. Many arrived acutely dehydrated, and tragically, some children are reported to have died from thirst.
Humanitarian organizations have reported famine-like conditions affecting over 700,000 individuals in temporary settlements surrounding el-Fasher. Security threats and roadblocks are significantly hindering the delivery of critical aid, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
International Response and Call for Ceasefire
During the international meeting, the UK pledged an additional £120m ($159m) in food and medical assistance, urging global attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Foreign Secretary Lammy stated, “Many have abandoned Sudan – that is wrong – it’s morally reprehensible when we see so many civilians beheaded, infants subjected to sexual violence, and more people facing famine than anywhere else globally… We simply cannot ignore this.”
The conference participants also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The African Union has declared its opposition to the partition of Sudan between the army and the RSF, emphasizing the need for a unified resolution to the devastating conflict and humanitarian crisis.