By: Cynthia Masibo
Worth Noting:
- The charter explicitly states that the newly envisioned government does not intend to divide the country but rather to bring peace and national unity. It further criticizes the existing army-aligned government operating out of Port Sudan, accusing it of failing to end the conflict and stabilize the country.
- This development comes against the backdrop of ongoing accusations against RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged human rights abuses, including genocide. Dagalo had previously shared power with the Sudanese army and civilian politicians after the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir. However, the alliance collapsed in 2021 when the military staged a coup, which later escalated into full-scale war over disputes regarding military integration during Sudan’s transition to democracy.
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied movements signed a charter late on Saturday in Nairobi, marking a significant step toward forming a government of peace and unity. The agreement, signed by various political and armed groups, including key leaders like al-Hadi Idris and Ibrahim al-Mirghani, signals a new political path aimed at ending the war and achieving stability in Sudan.
Among the signatories is Abdelaziz al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader who controls vast territories in South Kordofan state and has long pushed for Sudan to adopt secular governance. According to the charter’s architects, the new government will provide a transformative political experience by fostering unity and peace.
Following extensive consultations, which saw multiple delays, leaders from various factions—including political and civil forces, armed groups, and the RSF—have now laid the groundwork for a new government. The formation will be structured into three governance levels: a Sovereignty Council, a Council of Ministers, and a legislative body representing all segments of Sudanese society. The official government announcement is expected to take place within Sudan in the coming days.
The charter explicitly states that the newly envisioned government does not intend to divide the country but rather to bring peace and national unity. It further criticizes the existing army-aligned government operating out of Port Sudan, accusing it of failing to end the conflict and stabilize the country.
This development comes against the backdrop of ongoing accusations against RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged human rights abuses, including genocide. Dagalo had previously shared power with the Sudanese army and civilian politicians after the 2019 ouster of Omar al-Bashir. However, the alliance collapsed in 2021 when the military staged a coup, which later escalated into full-scale war over disputes regarding military integration during Sudan’s transition to democracy.
The conflict has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with half the population facing hunger and famine in multiple regions. Despite this, RSF supporters believe the new charter offers a path toward national recovery and peace.
The Sudanese government has accused the United Arab Emirates of financially and militarily supporting the RSF—claims that have been deemed credible by UN experts and U.S. lawmakers. The UAE has, however, denied these allegations.
Meanwhile, Kenya has defended its decision to host the RSF-led meeting, dismissing Sudan’s accusations of violating its sovereignty. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed that Kenya remains neutral, acting only as a facilitator for peace efforts.
“When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior motives,” Mudavadi stated, emphasizing Kenya’s long history of mediating conflicts in Africa, including the widely praised 2002 Machakos Protocol that helped end Sudan’s second civil war.
Kenya’s support aligns with its commitment to working alongside the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in pursuit of Sudanese-led peace initiatives. Mudavadi highlighted previous Sudanese peace negotiations held in Juba and Addis Ababa, although these earlier attempts failed to yield lasting resolutions.
RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo led the Sudanese delegation at the meeting, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi. He indicated that a major announcement regarding Sudan’s governance would be made on Friday.
“Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese civilian groups have proposed a roadmap and leadership structure that aligns with Kenya’s role in peace mediation,” Mudavadi said. “We continue to offer a non-partisan space for conflicting parties to find common ground, and Kenya stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people as they determine their future governance through inclusive discussions.”
Amidst rising regional and international pressure for a resolution to Sudan’s crisis, the RSF confirmed on Tuesday that they had developed a draft constitution endorsed by all stakeholders. This draft outlines a framework for Sudan’s transitional government.
However, tensions continue to mount. The Sudanese government, which has strongly opposed Kenya’s involvement, issued a statement on Tuesday condemning Nairobi’s actions as “tantamount to an act of hostility.” The statement was particularly critical given that the RSF-led coalition is preparing to announce a parallel government.
Despite the Sudanese government’s objections, the RSF and its allies remain steadfast in their efforts to chart a new course for the country. With a formal government announcement expected soon, the political landscape in Sudan is set for another dramatic shift.
