Sudanese Crisis: AU Rejects Parallel Government For A Nation Torn Apart

Sudan’s ongoing crisis worsens as the African Union (AU) strongly opposes the formation of a parallel government, further complicating the already fractured country.  The AU’s stance demonstrates the international community’s preference for a coordinated approach to resolving the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has plunged the country into devastation and humanitarian disaster.  The rejection of a parallel government emphasises the critical need for a negotiated solution and a return to a stable, unified Sudan. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has plunged the country into a devastating humanitarian crisis, displacing over 12 million Sudanese civilians, or nearly a quarter of the population.  The conflict, a brutal power struggle between the Sudanese army (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), has wreaked havoc, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering in its path.

Understanding the origins of this conflict, its devastating consequences, and potential paths to peace is critical to dealing with this escalating tragedy.

The current conflict is deeply rooted in Sudan’s complex and turbulent history.  Decades of authoritarian rule, characterised by instability, civil wars, and ethnic tensions, have resulted in a severely fractured society.  The long-standing marginalisation of peripheral regions and ethnic groups fuelled decades of conflict, culminating in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which brought an end to the protracted north-south civil war. However, the CPA’s promises of power-sharing and resource distribution were largely unfulfilled, leaving unresolved grievances simmering beneath the surface.

The 2019 popular uprising that deposed long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir offered a glimmer of hope for democratic transition.  However, the fragile power-sharing agreement between military and civilian forces quickly failed.

The power struggle between the SAF and the RSF, which was originally formed as a counter-insurgency force, grew more intense.  Hemeti, the RSF commander, built a formidable military force with considerable influence, challenging the SAF’s dominance.  Their rivalry intensified in the run-up to the April 2023 conflict, fuelled by disagreements over the RSF’s integration into the national army, the timeline for a civilian-led government, and the distribution of power and resources.

The ongoing conflict has caused unprecedented levels of violence across the country.  The fighting is distinguished by indiscriminate attacks on civilians, infrastructure destruction, widespread looting, and the widespread use of sexual violence as a means of warfare.

Darfur, already scarred by previous conflicts, has seen a resurgence of violence, with Khartoum, the capital city, becoming a battleground.  Hospitals are overburdened, access to basic services is severely restricted, and food insecurity is rapidly increasing.  The conflict has also created a massive displacement crisis, with millions of Sudanese seeking refuge in neighbouring countries or internally displaced within Sudan’s borders.  These internally displaced people (IDPs) are living in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, water, shelter, and medical care.

The consequences for Sudan are dire and multifaceted.  The economy is in freefall, with hyperinflation, widespread shortages of essential goods, and the collapse of basic services.  The education system has been severely disrupted, denying a generation of children access to an education.

The healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing, with hospitals running out of critical supplies and medical personnel struggling to provide care in the face of violence.  The destruction of infrastructure, including vital transport networks, has slowed humanitarian assistance to those in need. The long-term implications for Sudan’s social fabric, economy, and future are uncertain.
The path to peace in Sudan is fraught with challenges.  Long-term peace requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict, promotes inclusivity, and addresses the immediate humanitarian crisis. Several critical steps are needed.

Experts in international relations believe that an immediate and unconditional cease-fire is necessary. This necessitates the involvement of regional and international actors to put pressure on both warring parties to stop the violence and enter into negotiations.
Providing immediate humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict is critical. This includes providing food, water, shelter, medical care, and protection for IDPs and refugees.  International humanitarian organisations need unrestricted access to distribute aid.

To address the underlying causes of the conflict and establish long-term peace, all relevant stakeholders, including representatives from all ethnic and regional groups, must engage in a truly inclusive dialogue.  This process should be facilitated by impartial mediators and international organisations. Furthermore, addressing past grievances and holding people accountable for human rights violations is essential for building trust and reconciliation.  Mechanisms for justice and transitional justice must be established to address past and present abuses.
Furthermore, comprehensive security sector reform, including the integration or dissolution of the RSF, is required to prevent future conflicts.  Careful planning and international support are required to establish a professional, accountable, and inclusive national army.

The Sudanese conflict is not only a national tragedy; it is a regional and international issue.  Addressing this crisis will necessitate a collaborative effort by the international community, including the African Union, the United Nations, and other key players.

The African Union (AU) has already condemned the Sudanese militant group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) proposal to set up a parallel government in war-torn Sudan.

In a statement, the AU urged RSF and its affiliated political and social forces to oppose the establishment of a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan, warning that such action would significantly increase the risk of the country’s partition.

The Council urged all AU Member States and the international community to refrain from recognising, supporting, or assisting any armed or political group attempting to establish a parallel government or state entity in the Republic of Sudan or its institutions.

The statement went on to state, “The Council does not recognise the alleged parallel government or entity in the Republic of Sudan.”The Council reaffirmed its support for the Republic of Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful resolution of the current devastating conflict, which has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 12 million Sudanese civilians.”

“The Council urged all parties to heed calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as to commit to comprehensive and inclusive peace talks,” to permanently end the conflict and restore Sudanese state unity.

“Council reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to continue collaborating with all Sudanese stakeholders towards finding viable and long-term solutions to permanently silencing the guns in Sudan, based on the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, which was adopted by the PSC at the Heads of State and Government level on May 27, 2023; and urged the need to resume the process of the restoration of constitutional democratic order through

The AU endorsed the efforts of the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan to find a peaceful political solution to this crisis, which endangers the Republic of Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.

Sudan “welcomes the press statement issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) following its meeting this week.” The statement included a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the RSF militia and its affiliates’ announcement regarding the establishment of a parallel government, as well as grave concern about this move, warning of the enormous risks it poses to Sudan’s unity and the possibility of partition.”

The PSC confirmed that it does not recognise the alleged parallel government, and reaffirmed its
Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are upheld. This firm stance reflects a complete commitment to the principles that underpin Pan-Africanism, as expressed in the African Union’s Constitutive Act and, previously, in the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, the Charter of the United Nations, and all of the rules that underpin the modern international order. The most important of these principles are the preservation of state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the prohibition of interfering with states’ internal affairs.

It went on to say, “This principled and decisive position from the continental mother organisation emphasises the international community’s total rejection of the conspiracy of the genocidal RSF militia and its regional sponsor, as well as those who follow its directives in the region, against Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.”

“This has been stated by the United Nations Secretary-General, the United Nations Security Council, the Arab League, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the European Union, and brotherly countries and influential members of the international community.”

“Sudan expresses its gratitude for these clear and consistent positions with international law, which provide strong support to the Sudanese people and their national institutions in defending their sovereignty, unity, dignity, and independence.”

According to Almoiz Mohamed, media officer at the Sudan Embassy in Nigeria, the AU statement emphasised Sudan’s sovereignty and rejected any separatist attempts that threatened its unity. It called for a firm response to these moves, as well as the isolation of any arrangements that threatened the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

He stated, “We appreciate this responsible stance and commend the courage of member states in making this decision, which strengthens African countries’ unity and partnership following the common charters and principles on which African Union is founded.”

Experts believe that the longer the conflict lasts, the greater the risk of further instability, regional spillover, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.  Sudan can only emerge from this crisis and rebuild its shattered society if it commits to comprehensive and sustained peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation efforts.

*Adapted from Independentng