Plans for parallel government continue despite rifts in Sudan’s Tagadum
January 7, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA) – Consultations are ongoing to form a civilian government in the areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, despite sharp divisions caused by this move within the Coordination of Democratic and Civil Forces (Tagadum) coalition.
Osman Abdel Rahman, spokesperson for the United Civilian Forces Alliance (Qimam) confirmed to Sudan Tribune that components of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) will participate in the planned government.
He stated that this government will include a broad spectrum of Sudanese political and societal forces, including representatives from Tagadum, UCFA, religious and Native Administration leaders, civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups, and other stakeholders.
“Consultations are still in full swing to form the government as soon as possible,” Abdul Rahman added, noting that a charter will be prepared outlining the government’s objectives and the general principles that guarantee the unity and territorial integrity of the Sudanese state.
Abdel Rahman considered that the participation of the SRF in the anticipated government represents Tagadum, as it is one of its main components. He cited statements by several of its prominent leaders, such as Al-Hadi Idris, Al-Tahir Hajar, and Osama Saeed, in addition to statements by the head of the Justice and Equality Movement faction, Suleiman Sandal, in which they declared their support for the formation of this parallel government.
On the other hand, Qimam’s leader called on the UN Security Council to respond to the appeals of Sudanese civilians and take urgent measures to impose a no-fly zone on the Sudanese army and prevent it from flying in the country’s airspace.
Plans to form the government have faced strong opposition from other parties within Tagadum. Prominent leaders, including Shihab Ibrahim, had denied in previous statements to Sudan Tribune that there were any plans to form a government at the present time.
A meeting of the coalition’s leadership recently held in Entebbe, Uganda, witnessed sharp disagreements on this issue as some leaders tried to force the formation of the government. This led to heated debate, and the proposal was referred to a political committee headed by former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok for a decision.
Political parties and professional unions have threatened to withdraw from the Tagadum coalition if it proceeds with forming a government under any name, especially under the auspices of the RSF.
Speaking under cover of anonymity, a leader in the Professionals Association described the efforts of SRF leaders to form a government in coordination with the RSF as a “setback” for democratic transition and an “unacceptable alliance” with those who are committing violence against civilians, as he put it.
He stressed that the widespread criticism faced by the Tagadum coalition following the signing of the “Addis Ababa Declaration” with the RSF has made its work difficult in فاث conflict areas, despite its efforts to stop the war, efforts that are rejected by the Sudanese army.
He further warned that attempts by some SRF leaders to impose their views could lead to the disintegration of the Tagadum coalition, which is seen as one of the most critical actors in stopping the war in Sudan.