African Union rejects RSF’s parallel government in Sudan

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has issued a statement announcing that it will not recognise any parallel government in Sudan, following an announcement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that they had formed their administration.

According to the AFP, the PSC has called on AU member states and the international community to reject the move, warning it undermines Sudan’s unity and risks further instability.

The RSF recently signed a transitional constitution with allied political and rebel groups in Nairobi, establishing a “Government of Peace and Unity” based in Darfur, led by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This government directly challenges the military-led transitional authority based in Port Sudan.

The AU reiterated that Sudan’s territorial integrity must be preserved and that peace efforts should continue under the AU and IGAD-led mediation.

Sudan remains suspended from AU activities following the 2021 coup, but the PSC says it is still engaging with the country through peace initiatives.