Sudan Crisis Deepens as RSF Signs Charter for Parallel Government

Photo: MFA Egypt

February 24, 2025 Hour: 3:01 pm

The political crisis in Sudan has taken a dramatic turn as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies signed a charter on Sunday to establish a parallel government, challenging the authority of the internationally recognized Sudanese government.

Joint meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Irrigation of Egypt and Sudan today in Cairo. Unity and continuous cooperation between both countries and full agreement on the necessity to preserve their water security and rights in the Nile River. pic.twitter.com/FICDGO9EOE
— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) February 24, 2025

Egypt-Sudan Diplomatic Talks

Amid these developments, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef El-Sherif in Cairo to discuss the escalating conflict and its regional implications.

El-Sherif firmly stated:

“No one will recognize the so-called parallel government to the Sudanese government,” emphasizing that Sudan rejects any foreign recognition of the RSF-backed administration.

RSF’s Controversial Move

The RSF’s signing ceremony took place behind closed doors in Nairobi, Kenya, sparking international concern and criticism from Khartoum’s Foreign Ministry.

The signatories claimed the new entity aims to promote “peace and unity”, but human rights groups and the international community remain skeptical due to RSF’s alleged human rights abuses since the conflict erupted in April 2023.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The civil war between the Sudanese military and RSF has resulted in:

Over 24,000 deaths and more than 14 million displaced people (approximately 30% of Sudan’s population).
3.2 million Sudanese refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries.
4,200 civilian deaths recorded by the U.N. in 2024, with the actual toll likely much higher.

Military Gains and Regional Dynamics

The Sudanese army has recently gained the upper hand, regaining control of strategic locations, including:

Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira province.
Sudan’s largest oil refinery, securing vital energy resources.

Egypt’s Role and Regional Diplomacy

Following the Cairo meeting, Abdelatty revealed that discussions also touched on:

Gaza’s future amidst regional tensions.
Expectations for the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo, where Sudan’s crisis will be a key agenda item.

Looking Forward: Uncertain Path to Stability

The formation of a parallel government by the RSF poses a significant challenge to the Sudanese military’s authority, risking further fragmentation and escalation of violence.

With regional stakeholders and the international community closely monitoring the situation, the path to peace and stability in Sudan remains uncertain. The Cairo summit will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the diplomatic response to this complex conflict.