Sudan slams Kenya for supporting rebel group RSF’s move to establish rival administration

Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp condemnation of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the paramilitary group declared a new “Government of Peace and Unity” in the RSF-held city of Nyala on Saturday, warning the international community against recognising what it described as a "fictitious government."

In a statement dated July 27, the Sudanese government also criticised Kenya, accusing it of enabling the RSF’s preparatory meetings in Nairobi.

"The government of Sudan strongly condemns and expresses its deep concern over the Republic of Kenya's approval and facilitation of the rebel militia's preparatory meetings to announce its illegitimate government in Nairobi," the ministry said, calling it "a clear violation of Sudan's sovereignty" and an affront to regional and international norms.

The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has been engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023—a conflict that has displaced millions and destabilised the region.

Head of a presidential council

As part of its newly announced administration, the RSF named Hemedti as head of a presidential council and appointed Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, leader of the SPLM-N rebel group, as his deputy on a 15-member governing body.

Khartoum views the RSF’s attempt to establish a rival government as a blatant challenge to its authority and an effort to legitimise RSF control over territory.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the actions of the terrorist Rapid Support Militia," the statement read, calling the move an attempt "to distribute governmental positions to manage Sudan" while the population continues to suffer "violence, persecution, and torture at the hands of the terrorist militia."

According to the ministry, the declaration—made through social media—reflects the RSF’s weakening grip on power.

"It is clear evidence of [the RSF's] defeat and rout at the hands of our valiant armed forces," it stated, alleging that some civilians involved in the RSF-led initiative had conspired with the group since the attempted coup on April 15, 2023.

The ministry urged "all neighbouring countries, the international community, regional and international organisations" to reject the parallel government, warning that recognition of the entity would amount to "a blatant violation of the rights and aspirations of the Sudanese people."

The statement further strains relations in a region already marred by growing divisions.

Although Kenya has previously portrayed itself as a neutral mediator in the Sudanese conflict, Khartoum has repeatedly accused Nairobi of siding with the RSF, claims the Kenyan government has consistently denied.

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• Sudan
• Sudan
• Rapid Support Forces
• RSF
• Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• RSF Government of Peace and Unity
• General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Hemedti
• Sudan slams Kenya for supporting rebel group RSF’s move to establish rival administration
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