The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the proposed plan by the Sudanese militant group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to establish a parallel government in war-torn Sudan.
In an official statement, the AU urged the RSF and its affiliated political and social entities to refrain from any attempt to create a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan. The AU warned that such actions pose a significant threat to the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, raising the risk of the country’s partition.
The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) called on all AU Member States and the international community to withhold recognition from any parallel government or entity attempting to govern any part of Sudan’s territory or institutions. The Council further emphasized that no political or armed group should receive support or assistance for establishing such a government or entity.
The statement underscored that: “The Council does not recognize the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of Sudan.”
The AU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of resolving the ongoing conflict peacefully. The Council expressed deep concern over the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan—the largest in the world—resulting in the displacement of over 12 million civilians.
The PSC called on all parties to observe a ceasefire and allow unhindered humanitarian access during the holy month of Ramadan. It urged all stakeholders to engage in comprehensive and inclusive peace talks aimed at ending the conflict and restoring Sudan’s unity.
The Council reiterated the AU’s steadfast support for the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, adopted by the PSC at the Heads of State and Government level on 27 May 2023. It stressed the need to resume efforts to restore constitutional democratic order through the AU/IGAD-facilitated Political Dialogue process involving political and civil actors. The Council also highlighted the importance of implementing the Jeddah Declaration, signed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF on 11 May 2023. It reaffirmed the six pillars of the AU Roadmap, particularly the call for a comprehensive ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a swift political resolution of the conflict.
The AU expressed its full support for the efforts of the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee and the High-Level Panel on Sudan in seeking a consensual political solution to the crisis, which threatens Sudan’s sovereignty and stability.
In response, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the AU’s strong condemnation of the RSF’s attempt to establish a parallel government.
In a statement, the Ministry noted: “The PSC’s clear and unequivocal condemnation of the RSF militia’s announcement reflects the Council’s deep concern over the threat this move poses to Sudan’s unity and the potential for partition.”
The Ministry reiterated Sudan’s appreciation for the AU’s commitment to preserving the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It highlighted the AU’s alignment with the core principles of Pan-Africanism, as outlined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations Charter, and other foundational documents of the international order—emphasizing the preservation of state sovereignty, unity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
The Ministry further stated: “This firm and principled stance from the AU underscores the broader international community’s rejection of the RSF’s separatist agenda and its backing by external actors. This has been echoed by the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Security Council, the Arab League, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the European Union, and several influential nations.”
Almoiz Mohamed, the media officer of Sudan’s Embassy in Nigeria, commended the AU’s position, noting: “We appreciate this responsible stance and commend the courage of AU member states in taking this decision. This reinforces the unity and partnership of African countries, consistent with the core principles of the African Union.”
