Sudan’s RSF Commander Threatens to Establish Rival Authority amid Ongoing Conflict

The leader of Sudan’s prominent paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), issued a stark warning on Thursday, vowing to establish a governing authority in regions under his forces’ control if his adversaries within the army proceed to form a government.

This declaration comes after nearly five months of intense conflict, resulting in widespread devastation and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in the country.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has been engaged in a protracted struggle against elements within the Sudanese army. The conflict has inflicted severe hardships on the nation’s populace and strained its resources.
In the preceding month, a high-ranking member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, which is led by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, advocated for the necessity of a caretaker government to navigate the country’s precarious political landscape.
On Thursday, Hemedti issued a stark ultimatum, stating, “If the army assumes control of the government, we will promptly initiate extensive consultations to establish a legitimate civilian authority within the territories under our significant influence, with Khartoum as its capital.” His statement implies a willingness to assert control over areas currently under the RSF’s jurisdiction in the event of an army-led government.
Hemedti further warned that any attempts by the army to establish a caretaker government in the vital eastern Red Sea port of Port Sudan could lead to a fragmentation of the nation. The RSF, with its presence throughout Khartoum and neighboring Bahri and Omdurman, has intensified its hold over these regions.
In response, the Sudanese army has leveraged its advantage in heavy artillery and conducted airstrikes in an attempt to push back RSF forces. Regrettably, these operations have resulted in a considerable number of civilian casualties, adding to the tragic toll of the conflict.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces commenced on April 15, triggered by tensions surrounding the integration of their troops within Sudan’s transitional journey toward democracy. While various nations have initiated mediation efforts, none have succeeded in bringing about a cessation of hostilities.