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The United States Wednesday raised concerns over reports that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies have signed a “transitional constitution,” warning that such actions could further destabilize the country.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs cautioned that the creation of a parallel government in Sudan would threaten peace and security, potentially leading to the country’s partition. The RSF, which has faced U.S. sanctions over alleged human rights violations, signed the constitutional document in Nairobi on Monday night alongside several Sudanese rebel factions.
The proposed charter outlines control over eight territories and suggests the formation of a joint military force composed of RSF fighters and members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). According to AFP, the document was signed by 24 individuals, including RSF deputy commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo. It follows a February 23 agreement involving the RSF, elements of the Sudan Revolutionary Front, SPLM-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, the National Umma Party, civil society groups, and other entities.
As part of the new framework, the transitional constitution calls for repealing Sudan’s 2019 transitional charter and all previous laws, decisions, and decrees. It envisions Sudan as a secular, democratic, and decentralized state with a clear separation between religion and governance. The conflict between the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been ongoing since April 2023, escalating into full-scale war that has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The constitutional move has faced strong opposition from Sudan’s ruling military junta, which has praised Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Qatar for rejecting the RSF-led initiative. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged support from African members of the UN Security Council—Algeria, Somalia, and Sierra Leone—along with Russia, China, the U.S., the UK, Guyana, and Türkiye.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s military has accused Kenya of taking an “irresponsible stance” by engaging with the RSF, which it described as a “genocidal militia.” A statement from Sudan’s military leadership in Port Sudan condemned Kenya’s role, calling it an act that violates international norms and branding Nairobi a “rogue state.” Sudan’s government has renewed calls for global condemnation of what it considers a serious threat to regional peace and security, urging the international community, regional organizations, and the African Union to take a firm stance against actions undermining the country’s stability.
Kenya has defended its involvement, insisting that its role is neutral and aimed at fostering peace in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed allegations of bias, maintaining that Nairobi has historically provided a nonpartisan platform for Sudanese factions to seek resolution to their conflicts. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to regional stability, emphasizing that Sudanese groups have often turned to neighboring countries for mediation.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing as tensions mount. Whether Sudan’s warring factions can be brought to the negotiating table or whether the country is headed for further fragmentation remains uncertain.
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