Sudan’s largest antiwar coalition, Taqaddum, has fractured over participation in a new RSF-led government. This led to the formation of a smaller coalition, Somoud, aimed at preserving neutrality. Taqaddum faced legitimacy issues after a controversial agreement with the RSF, raising questions about its effectiveness. Analysts suggest that the realignment could allow Somoud to better connect with civilians and redefine its approach amidst the ongoing conflict.
On February 10, Sudan’s preeminent anti-war coalition, Taqaddum, underwent a significant split due to disagreements over engaging with a new parallel government formed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a key player in Sudan’s protracted conflict. Originally established in October 2023, Taqaddum comprised various armed movements, political entities, and civil society activists, led by Abdalla Hamdok, the former prime minister ousted by the military and RSF in 2021.
The coalition has now bifurcated, with members who aligned with the RSF’s new government identifying as Taasis (Foundation). Analysts have pointed out that these armed factions are leveraging their military strength to secure influential positions within the RSF’s administration. Kholood Khair, director of Confluence Advisory, remarked that armed groups often lack a distinct constituency and depend on large armed actors like the RSF to guarantee their roles in a governance structure.
Conversely, traditional political leaders, including Hamdok, have distanced themselves from the RSF, forming a smaller coalition called Somoud (Resilience) to maintain their neutrality and reputations. According to Khair, political entities do not require such guarantees and would face severe backlash for allying with the RSF, especially given the United States’ designation of the group as perpetrators of genocide in Darfur.
Initially, Taqaddum served as a mediator aimed at resolving the conflict that erupted between the RSF and the army in April 2023. The war has precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe, leading to an estimated tens of thousands of fatalities, widespread famine, and displacing around 12 million people. Taqaddum’s effectiveness began to wane as civilian members developed a reputation for being overly cooperative with the RSF during ostensibly peace-driven negotiations.
Taqaddum’s credibility was further compromised by its signing of a Declaration of Principles (DoP) with the RSF in January 2024, which was perceived by many as an attempt to legitimize the RSF’s numerous human rights violations. The DoP was enacted shortly after the RSF’s brutal seizure of Wad Madani, drawing widespread condemnation for its timing and implications. Amidst increasing skepticism, U.S. diplomats expressed concerns regarding Taqaddum’s apparent alignment with the RSF.
Experts have suggested that this fracture in Taqaddum presents an opportunity for the Somoud coalition to re-establish itself, distancing from the RSF’s contentious legacy. While Somoud might be reduced in size, its perceived neutrality could earn it a chance to engage more effectively with civilians. However, understanding local sentiments, which sometimes favor the army for stability, is crucial for maintaining their stance while advocating for the cessation of violence.
Bakry Elmedni, Somoud’s spokesperson, contended that the coalition has always prioritized outreach, framing claims of closeness to the RSF as attempts to undermine Taqaddum by the army. Elmedni indicated that the army was complicit in the drafting of the DoP and intentionally skipped signing it to manipulate public perception of Taqaddum’s position. Such accusations, he asserts, were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence.
The populace in various regions of Sudan often expresses discontent towards the RSF and shows support for the army’s actions to recapture territories. Notwithstanding, the army has faced its own allegations of carrying out retaliatory violence against perceived RSF supporters, with human rights organizations documenting these occurrences across ethnic lines. Army representatives deny these accusations, asserting a commitment to lawfulness and order.
In summary, the recent split of the Taqaddum coalition underscores the complexities of Sudan’s political landscape amidst ongoing violence. With the emergence of Somoud, the potential exists for redefined anti-war efforts separate from the RSF’s controversial influence. However, maintaining public trust and effectively addressing civilian needs remains critical for Somoud’s success and its potential role in a unified government to resolve the conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
