The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and 23 allied entities signed a founding charter late Saturday, outlining the creation of a civilian government (Tasees) in regions under their control.
The signing ceremony took place in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, under strict media blackout and heightened security measures, generating significant controversy in both Sudan and Kenya.
The ‘Tasees’ charter was signed by various prominent figures, including the leader of the National Umma Party, Fadlallah Burma Nasser, RSF commander Abdul Rahim Dagalo, and Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, Joseph Toka.
Other signatories included Sudan Liberation Movement–Transitional Council leader Hadi Idris, Sudan Liberation Forces–Gathering head Taher Hagar, Justice and Equality Movement leader Suleiman Sandal, and Haroun Medikher, leader of the United Civil Forces (GIMM).
Additionally, former Sovereign Council member Mohamed Hassan Al-Tayashi signed on behalf of independent figures, while Aladdin Nagd represented the Syndicate and Professional Coordinators, alongside Osama Said of the opposition Beja Congress, Mubarak Suliem of the Free Lions Party, and Abu Qasim Imam of the Sudan Liberation Movement–Second Revolution.
Demonstrations supporting the founding charter and the formation of a civilian government erupted in Nyala, South Darfur, and Al-Geneina, West Darfur.
Rationale Behind the Move
The Tasees charter sets out the creation of a “peace government” focused on ending conflicts by addressing their root causes, delivering humanitarian aid, uniting Sudanese citizens, and preserving Sudan’s voluntary unity.
It also tasks the new government with halting violations against civilians and civilian infrastructure, restoring constitutional rights—including access to health, education, security, and identity documents—and re-establishing civilian rule.
Additionally, the charter acknowledges that the peace government will aim to end the fragmentation of Sudanese armed forces and establish a professional national army representing all Sudanese citizens to protect the nation and its sovereignty.
However, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, in an interview with Sky News Arabia, ruled out the integration of fighters from factions that signed the charter into one army. He emphasized that such a step would only come after a comprehensive peace agreement that includes the Sudanese government in Port Sudan.
Sudan’s junta-controlled government has condemned Kenya’s hosting of the signing ceremony, viewing it as an act of hostility against the Sudanese people. Kenya, however, defended its role, stating it was acting as a platform to help end the conflict that has raged since April 15, 2023.
Principles and Self-Determination
The charter outlines principles including the establishment of a secular, democratic, decentralized state, free from allegiance to any cultural, ethnic, or religious identity, while permitting political organizations to be founded on religious grounds. It also emphasizes the right of people to self-determination should the future transitional or permanent constitutions fail to endorse secularism, or if any fundamental principle is violated.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North has insisted on the inclusion of secularism or the right to self-determination in any political agreements or declarations, whether with the government, armed groups, or political forces.
The signatories are working towards the adoption of a transitional constitution and the formation of a government in areas controlled by the RSF.
SPLM-N shocks the system
The decision by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) to join the Sudan Founding Coalition (Tasees) has sent shockwaves through Sudan’s political landscape, posing a direct challenge to junta leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s authority, analysts say.
The move aligns al-Hilu’s movement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and is expected to reshape the balance of power in the country’s ongoing conflict.
Analysts describe al-Hilu’s inclusion in the coalition as a severe blow to al-Burhan’s junta, which currently operates from the Red Sea city of Port Sudan.
Observers see the agreement as a breakthrough, ending years of deadlock between SPLM-N and other factions. “This could be a turning point in Sudan’s crisis,” one analyst noted, describing the alliance as a key step toward dismantling decades-old systemic challenges dating back to the country’s independence.
Al-Hilu’s Role in the Conflict
Al-Hilu, who has led SPLM-N’s armed struggle in the Nuba Mountains since 2011, commands a movement rooted in Sudan’s civil war history.
The SPLM was originally part of the broader Sudanese liberation movement led by the late John Garang before South Sudan’s independence in 2011. After the split, al-Hilu’s faction established a semi-autonomous administration in the mountainous stronghold of Kauda, where it has resisted Sudanese junta control.
Speaking at a recent conference in Nairobi, RSF negotiator Ezzedine Al-Safi hailed al-Hilu’s decision to join the coalition as a historic moment. “This is the culmination of over 60 years of struggle by Sudan’s marginalized communities,” he said. “It is a chance to rebuild Sudan on new foundations of equality and justice.”
Political analyst Al-Jamil Al-Fadil stressed that al-Hilu’s presence in the coalition gives it a national dimension beyond ethnic or regional affiliations.
“This alliance expands the geographic and political footprint of the future government,” he said, suggesting that it could solidify RSF’s control over large parts of the country while sidelining al-Burhan’s junta.
