Amid the ongoing crises that have gripped Sudan since civil war erupted in April 2023, a new initiative to establish a “civilian government” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has sparked growing internal and international interest and concern.
The move, which raises fears of further fragmentation and potential division of the country, is seen by its proponents as a historic opportunity to build a new Sudan based on the principles of freedom, democracy, and justice.
A new constitution and a roadmap for governance have been signed, reflecting their ambition to rescue Sudan from chaos and disintegration.
The newly formed “Government of Peace and Unity” seeks to rebuild the nation on foundations of justice and equality, with a particular focus on delivering essential services to all citizens across Sudan, not just in areas under RSF control. The architects of this government have reassured the Sudanese people and neighboring countries, stressing that the primary goal is to maintain Sudan’s unity and strengthen social cohesion.
The government’s goal is to gain the trust of the Sudanese public and secure international support by committing to end the conflict and rebuild the country on democratic and secular principles with decentralized governance.
However, the key question remains: Will this government succeed in achieving the peace Sudan desperately needs, or will it face new challenges that undermine its path to stability?
Media sat down with Dr. Al-Hadi Idris, a prominent leader of the “Founding” alliance behind the creation of the civilian government and got his views on Sudan’s road to peace.
Dr. Idris on the Road to Peace
Dr. Idris, a former member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council during the second transitional government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, explains that “The government we aim to form is one that promotes peace and unity… From the beginning, as a political and military force, we were keen on resolving the Sudanese crisis that began on April 15, 2023, peacefully. We made significant efforts to urge the parties supporting the war to engage in dialogue and respond positively to various peace initiatives in Jeddah, Manama, and Geneva. Unfortunately, the SAF and the authorities in Port Sudan refused to negotiate. Therefore, it became essential to consider more effective means to push all parties toward dialogue and to halt the war, leading to the creation of a civilian government aimed at serving a large segment of people who have not received sufficient attention.”
The SAF’s Rejection of Dialogue
Idris, who also leads the “Revolutionary Front” alliance consisting of armed movements from Darfur and political groups from outside the region, such as the opposition Beja Congress and the Sudanese Kush Movement from the north, acknowledges the SAF’s reasons for rejecting negotiations.
“We are fully aware that the military’s refusal to engage in talks stems from the influence of the Islamist movement and remnants of the former regime, who view any political process as a threat to their power and influence. Thus, they continue to favor the war, despite the devastation it causes for civilians, including displacement and suffering. Moreover, some armed movements allied with the military see prolonged conflict as beneficial to their own interests, as they rely on the war to secure their survival and their gains. Some are even involved in looting civilians’ property amid the current chaos in Sudan.”
Accusations of Division
Idris accuses General al-Burhan and his SAF of taking steps that could lead to the division of the country, such as issuing a new currency in areas under their control, depriving other regions, and starting school sessions in some areas while excluding others. He also notes the military is facilitating the issuance of travel documents and identification for some people while restricting others. “These measures could lead to the country’s fragmentation, which we completely reject,” Idris emphasizes.
“The Islamist movement aims to divide the country, as they did with the south. We are now taking steps to ensure Sudan’s unity. We believe the country must remain united, and any solution must consider the interests of all Sudanese, regardless of their regional, ethnic, or cultural affiliations. To stop the ongoing division, we proposed the establishment of a government of peace and national unity.”
“Our government is not just for Darfur or the RSF or any specific region, but represents all of Sudan, from north to south and from east to west. We have drafted a constitution that guarantees the rights of everyone, signed by individuals and entities from all over Sudan.”
The upcoming government, Idris adds, will be responsible for rebuilding the state and providing essential services to citizens, including education, health, and security.
Local and Regional Concerns
Despite neighboring countries and international organizations, including the United Nations and the East African Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), rejecting the idea of a civilian government in Sudan, Idris, who also heads the Sudan Liberation Movement/Transitional Council, believes these concerns are unfounded, though he acknowledges the right of others to be concerned. “But once our government is in place, it will be clear to them that we are striving for unity, peace, and stability, not the opposite.”
Idris continues, “We are making efforts to reassure neighboring countries by affirming our commitment to Sudan’s unity and rejecting any division. We believe that providing services to the disenfranchised, including those in military-controlled areas, and protecting their rights will build trust with the international community and neighboring states. If we open borders for aid and protect people from the violations occurring on the ground, the world’s perspective of us will change, and they will engage with us positively.”
Recognition of the New Government
Idris states that the issue of recognition by other countries does not concern them. He points to visits they have made to Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad, where they felt supported in their demands.
“These countries have a vested interest in Sudan’s stability,” he says. “In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni personally welcomed us; in Kenya, President William Ruto opened doors for us; in Ethiopia, we met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; and in Chad, President Mahamat Idriss Déby received us, along with several other nations.”
“This doesn’t mean they wish to recognize us, but it reflects their concern for the situation in our country, as the continuation of the conflict in Sudan could lead to major crises for them and the region. They are interested in Sudan’s stability. Once we establish our government, we will visit these countries again, and they will welcome us as Sudanese managing the affairs of Sudan.”
Failure of the Old State
Idris explains, “The world around us is changing… A new era has begun in Lebanon, and a new system is emerging in Syria after the collapse of the old repressive regime. In my view, the old regimes no longer have a future. Since Sudan’s independence in 1956, none of these regimes have been able to build a national state that preserves the country and elevates it. Sudan’s history since independence is one of conflicts and disturbances. People ask, why has the citizen left his country since 1956? Because stability has been absent. This indicates a flaw in the structure of the national state. I see a new wave of change coming… New nations will rise on the ruins of the old state. That is why, in our meetings in Nairobi, we discussed the need to establish a democratic, secular, decentralized state that preserves the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or regional affiliations.”
The Role of the U.S. Administration
Idris notes that the U.S. played a significant role since the outbreak of the war in Sudan in 2023, with the Biden administration making significant efforts to assist Sudan, though it has been unable to end the war.
“We hope the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump will play a more effective role by using a carrot-and-stick approach to bring all parties to the table for peace. We are open, and our government is one of peace. We are ready to work with any party that can contribute to resolving the crisis. We look forward to the new U.S. administration implementing new, clear, and strong policies that can pressure all parties to end this devastating war.”
Protecting Civilians from Aerial Bombardment
Idris adds, “It is the duty of any government to protect its citizens, or it will be of no value. We will appoint a defense minister whose task will be to explore defensive methods to protect civilians by all possible means. We are also forming the nucleus of the new army from forces supporting our government, including armed movements, the RSF, the Sudanese People’s Movement/North, and other armed factions. We will establish a joint military staff. After the war ends, this army will form the foundation of the new military, responsible for border protection and maintaining internal security without entering the political sphere.”
“There will no longer be separate armies, as is the case with the current government in Port Sudan, where there are numerous militias and different armies. We believe one of the reasons for the outbreak of war was the multiplicity of armies, so we will not repeat this experience. From day one of the government’s formation, we will work to integrate all these forces into one army, including the RSF.”
Currency and Travel Documents
Idris confirms, “The new government will issue new currency, travel documents, and passports. The currency issue was one of the main reasons for thinking about forming a new government. Many regions of Sudan have resorted to bartering systems as the government in Port Sudan has drained currencies from regions suffering from a shortage, leading to the exchange of goods like salt, sugar, and wheat instead of using money. In some areas, there is no money at all, making life extremely difficult. Therefore, one of the government’s key tasks will be to issue a new currency, which will reflect the principles and values upon which we are building our new state and the charter we signed.”
Government Launch Date
Idris also said “Intensive consultations are currently taking place to determine the launch date. We expect this to occur within a month, and the announcement will be made from within Sudan.” He adds that they have several options for the location of the announcement, which will be revealed in the coming days.
Contact with RSF Leadership
Idris said, “We are in constant contact with the leadership of the RSF, especially with Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti). I personally speak with him almost every day, and our last contact was two days ago. We may call him again tonight. We cooperate with him on many issues, and we are discussing necessary agreements and documents. We work well together, and there are no communication issues. He is in good health, contrary to some rumors.”
Regarding the violations attributed to the RSF and whether they will impact the recognition of the new government, Idris states, “We completely reject such violations and condemn any assaults. No one is above the law, and anyone committing crimes must be held accountable. This applies to all parties, including the RSF. U.S. sanctions and other international bodies have accused both warring sides of committing violations, without excluding either side.”
“Our goal now is to end the war. After the war ends, we, as Sudanese, will establish a national mechanism to reveal the truth to the people: Who is responsible for committing crimes? Who started the war? Who caused the deaths and displacement? Otherwise, this country will never enjoy stability.”
Relations with “Sumoud”
Regarding relations with their civilian counterparts in the “Sumoud” movement, led by Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, Idris notes that they share common goals and political orientations, particularly in ending the war and confronting the Islamist movement that sparked the conflict.
However, their approaches differ in terms of methods, as they believe the war must end through peaceful means and appeals. “We think we have appealed enough, and the country is on the brink of collapse due to the other side’s stubbornness. Therefore, we felt it was necessary to confront them by establishing a government that withdraws legitimacy from them.”
Idris says, “We are in constant communication with them… Our different approaches will not affect our ties. There will be significant cooperation between us in the future, especially in efforts to resolve the crisis.”
No Fear of Failure
Idris believes that party leaders and armed group leaders possess the necessary experience and knowledge to manage the state, having held government positions in the past.
“I was a member of the Sovereign Council, and so were others as ministers. If we were doubtful about our ability to succeed, we would not have taken this step. Many, including the United Nations and others, have expressed concerns. We understand these international fears… but experience will prove them wrong. Criticism will turn into praise, and they will engage with us.”
Participation in Future Negotiations
Regarding participation in future negotiations, Idris states, “We welcome any serious and responsible initiative aimed at resolving the crisis, whether local, regional, or international… But we will only engage with such initiatives in our new capacity as a legitimate peace government.”
