NAIROBI, Kenya – February 23, 2025 – Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied political and armed groups signed a controversial charter late Saturday in Nairobi, establishing a “government of peace and unity” to rival the army-aligned administration in Port Sudan.
The move, trending heavily on social media as #SudanCivilWar and #RSFCharter, marks a significant escalation in the nearly two-year conflict that has plunged Sudan into a humanitarian crisis, with half its population facing hunger and widespread displacement.
The signing, hosted in Kenya despite sharp criticism from Sudan’s government, included key figures like rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu, who advocates for a secular state and controls vast territories in South Kordofan.
Signatories al-Hadi Idris and Ibrahim al-Mirghani told reporters the parallel government aims to unify RSF-held regions, including much of Darfur and parts of Kordofan, and end the war—a task they claim the current regime has failed to achieve.
However, the United Nations has expressed concern, warning that this could further fragment the war-torn nation, a sentiment echoed by locals labelling it a risky power play.
Sudan’s army, which has recently pushed back RSF forces from central regions, condemned the charter as an act of rebellion.
The conflict, sparked by a fallout between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over troop integration post-2021 coup, has drawn global attention, with the U.S. recently accusing the RSF of genocide.
Kenya’s role in hosting the event has also sparked diplomatic tensions, with Sudan recalling its ambassador and locals questioning Kenya’s neutrality.
Analysts suggest the RSF’s move, backed by allies like the UAE according to some reports, could complicate international aid efforts and deepen regional instability.
While the charter promises a unified national army and humanitarian access, its lack of widespread recognition may fuel more violence, keeping the Sudan Conflict as a top global concern.
The closed-door signing contrasted with an earlier, flashier Nairobi event, underscoring the high stakes in this latest chapter of Sudan’s civil war.
