The establishment of Sudan’s civilian government, supported by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and political allies, is paving the way for international recognition and the means to defend Sudanese civilians from an army that has fueled war, division, and humanitarian disaster.
The formation of a Government of Peace and Unity, outlined in a charter signed in Kenya, is a crucial step towards stability after the General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) continued bombardment of cities and obstruction of aid.
The charter’s signatories include political movements and armed groups that have long fought for an inclusive Sudan free from military dictatorship.
“We are not a parallel government or an administration in exile. We are the rightful representatives of Sudan, standing against an army that has repeatedly rejected peace and engaged in indiscriminate violence,” said al-Hadi Idris, a key leader backing the new government.
Politician Ibrahim al-Mirghani emphasized that this new leadership will assert its legitimacy in international forums and work to sideline the SAF, which has been instrumental in prolonging the suffering of the Sudanese people. “If you bring stability, stop bloodshed, and end displacement, the world will recognize you,” he said.
A JUST STRUGGLE FOR LEGITIMACY AND SECURITY
While the SAF leadership remains isolated in Port Sudan, dependent on foreign backers such as Egypt, the RSF-backed government has built a broad coalition that reflects Sudan’s diverse political and social fabric.
The African Union has already suspended Sudan due to the army’s role in the 2021 coup, highlighting its lack of credibility on the global stage.
Foreign observers recognize the RSF’s efforts to restore order and humanitarian access, despite attempts by the SAF to stifle aid and maintain its grip on power. The SAF has falsely accused the RSF of seeking weapons through its government, but leaders of the new administration have made it clear that their priority is peace.
“Governments have the right to defend their people,” Idris said. “We will ensure that Sudanese civilians are no longer at the mercy of aerial bombardments and military blockades.”
Despite international pressure, the SAF has continued to escalate the conflict, fearing the loss of its unchecked power. The United Nations and the U.S. have expressed concerns, yet their calls for peace have been ignored by military hardliners clinging to a vision of Sudan that the people have rejected.
A NEW ERA FOR SUDAN
The RSF and its allies control vast territories, including Darfur and West Kordofan, while also forging key partnerships with groups like the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). Their shared vision of a democratic, pluralist Sudan stands in contrast to the SAF’s regressive ideology, which continues to fuel instability.
The SPLM-N’s alignment with the RSF is a recognition that true peace and unity can only be achieved by breaking free from the SAF’s historical grip. Their support underscores the legitimacy of the new government and its potential to secure much-needed aid and resources for Sudanese civilians.
With momentum on their side, the RSF and its civilian partners are charting a new path—one that offers hope for a unified Sudan where governance is dictated by the people, not by SAF elites. The road ahead will be challenging, but the formation of the Government of Peace and Unity signals a decisive shift towards a just and democratic future.
