Revolutionary front, RSF discuss ways to form rival government
December 16, 2024 (NAIROBI) – Factions within Sudan’s fractured Revolutionary Front (SRF) are engaging in talks with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Kenya to establish a government in areas under RSF control, sources told Sudan Tribune.
This development comes as the SRF faces internal divisions over its proposal to form a government-in-exile, an idea rejected by most members of the broader civilian coalition known as Tagadum.
Sources within both Tagadum and the SRF, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the meetings between armed factions and RSF leaders in Kenya. Key figures involved in these discussions reportedly include prominent SRF leaders al-Hadi Idris and al-Tahir Hajer, Justice and Equality Movement leader Suleiman Sandal and former Sovereign Council member Mohamed al-Hassan al-Taishi.
These talks are taking place despite the fact that Tagadum’s political committee has yet to assess the SRF’s government-in-exile proposal formally.
“The insistence on forming a government-in-exile aligned with either side of this conflict is a clear sign of the deep divisions within the opposition,” says Hatem Al-Sanhouri, an international law expert. He warns that such a move could further fragment the country and lead to competing claims for international recognition, echoing scenarios witnessed in Libya.
Al-Sanhouri also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding these discussions. “Imposing a government on people in areas controlled by warring factions, without their consent and amidst a media blackout, is a dangerous path for Sudan,” he cautioned.
Secret overtures and internal opposition
Adding to the intrigue, sources reveal that SPLM-North leader Yasir Arman vehemently opposes both the idea of a government-in-exile and any collaboration with the RSF. Arman reportedly views such actions as a dangerous step towards the permanent division of Sudan.
Meanwhile, a representative of a professional group within Tagadum disclosed that the paramilitary group had made discreet overtures to several coalition leaders, urging them to form a government in RSF-held areas. These informal proposals, however, were reportedly met with silence.
The majority of Tagadum’s members, including political parties, civilian groups, and professional unions, have publicly rejected the SRF’s proposal.
A play for legitimacy?
Tahir al-Mu’tasim, a journalist specializing in armed movements, suggests that the RSF, facing international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses, is seeking political cover by courting SRF factions.
“The RSF desperately needs political legitimacy,” al-Mu’tasim argues, adding that they are likely aiming to establish a government before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
He also contradicted claims by some SRF figures that Tagadum supported the proposal, stating that most members rejected it during their recent meeting in Entebbe, Uganda.
“Those within the SRF who champion this idea lack the courage to declare their intentions openly,” Al-Mu’tasim observed, highlighting the deep divisions within the front itself.
The Entebbe meeting saw heated debates on the issue, with some SRF members, like Suleiman Sandal, clashing with other prominent figures like Omer al-Digair, leader of the Sudanese Congress Party. Ultimately, the proposal was referred to a political committee, leaving the final decision to former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who currently heads the coalition.
This latest development underscores the complex and rapidly evolving political landscape in Sudan, where the ongoing conflict has created a power vacuum and fuelled rivalries among various factions vying for control.