AU slams RSF’s move to form parallel government in Sudan

The African Union has issued a sharp rebuke to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following the paramilitary group's announcement of a parallel government in Sudan.

In a statement released after its 1292nd meeting on July 29th, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) condemned what it termed "the creation of a so-called parallel government" led by the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis) and fronted by the RSF.

Calling the move a direct threat to Sudan's unity and sovereignty, the Council reaffirmed its "unwavering commitment to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan."

It urged AU member states and the international community to "reject the fragmentation of Sudan" and to withhold all recognition or support—political, financial, or military—for the Tasis-led authority.

This firm position comes days before the Quad countries (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the US) are scheduled to meet in a bid to recalibrate their approach to Sudan's year-long civil war.

The AU's language was unusually direct.

The Council stressed it "only recognises the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the recently formed civilian transitional government," making clear that no alternative power structure would be entertained until "consensual arrangements are reached that meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people."

This development may also place renewed scrutiny on Kenya's diplomatic posture, after the Sudanese junta accused Nairobi of harbouring RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti) and facilitating his operations.

The AU's position is expected to embolden Khartoum's regional allies to double down on isolating the RSF diplomatically.

The statement further warned that the RSF's actions pose "serious consequences on the peace efforts and the existential future of the country," and reiterated a previous call for a "permanent, comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire" along with a return to political negotiations.

Without naming specific countries, the Council also condemned "all forms of external interference," arguing that support—especially military—has prolonged the conflict and undermined Sudan's stability.

It called on all states to "cease all military and other support to the warring parties," including supplies to non-state actors.

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