Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has announced the formation of a parallel government in the country, appointing General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, as the head of a 15-member presidential council.
The RSF, which controls significant portions of western Sudan, including the Darfur region and parts of Kordofan, made the announcement amid ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army.
Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), has been appointed as Vice President of the Presidential Council, while Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi, a civilian politician, has been named Prime Minister.
The parallel government has raised concerns about further division of a country already torn apart by more than two years of civil conflict, with analysts warning that it could lead to permanent partition.
The RSF secured 42% of positions in the parallel government, while the SPLM-N received 33%, and the remaining 25% was distributed among other groups in the alliance.
The international community has condemned the move, fearing it could plunge Sudan into a state of division reminiscent of the ongoing conflict in Libya.
The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions since it erupted in April 2023.
The United States imposed sanctions on Hemedti, citing credible reports of atrocities, including extrajudicial killings and obstruction of humanitarian aid.
Amnesty International also alleged that RSF forces used sexual violence to assert control and forcibly displace communities.
