Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and allied factions signed a transitional constitution, moving towards a parallel government amid ongoing conflict with the army. This war has resulted in severe humanitarian issues, with recent RSF attacks exacerbating the situation. The constitution proposes a federal, secular state and a unified national army, though future elections remain without a specific timetable.
In a significant development, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied groups formalized their intention to establish a parallel government by signing a transitional constitution amidst an ongoing conflict with the army. This civil war has been marked by severe humanitarian crises, including mass displacement, extreme hunger, and incidents of ethnic violence and sexual assault. Recently, the RSF escalated hostilities with a long-range drone strike on the Merowe Dam, impacting power supply across northern Sudan.
As hostilities continue, the Sudanese army reported tactical advances in the Sharg el-Nil region, aiming to isolate the RSF in the capital, Khartoum. The RSF’s newly signed constitution is intended to replace the existing framework established after the ousting of former leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019, which had aimed to transition Sudan towards civilian governance.
Tensions escalated in 2021 when the RSF and army conducted a coup, halting the country’s transition towards civilian rule. The recent conflict, ignited by a proposed framework for a new transition in April 2023, has driven both factions into violent confrontations. In February, the RSF and its allies initially reached an agreement to form a government for a “New Sudan,” seeking legitimacy and improved access to arms.
The new constitution outlines a vision for a federal, secular state divided into eight regions and includes provisions for a bill of rights that allows for self-determination under certain conditions. It also proposes a unified national army, positioning the signatories as its foundational military body. Although the agreements mention future elections, no specific timeline has been established for these electoral processes.
Notable signatories include the prominent SPLM-N party, which holds considerable territory in South Kordofan, alongside various smaller factions. While the RSF and its allies have expressed intentions to form the government imminently, uncertainty remains regarding the composition and operational base of this governance structure.
In conclusion, the signing of the transitional constitution by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and ally groups marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with the army. This move is fraught with implications for the country’s future governance, particularly amid the humanitarian crises exacerbated by the war. The proposed framework for a federal, secular government aims to re-establish legitimacy and stability within Sudan, although significant uncertainties persist regarding its implementation and the involved parties’ intentions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
