African Union rejects RSF’s parallel government declaration, warns of threat to Sudan’s Unity

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has firmly rejected the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) declaration of a parallel government, warning that it poses a serious threat to Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com 

Following a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa on March 11, the PSC called on African Union member states and the international community to refrain from recognizing or supporting any such entity. The decision underscores the AU’s commitment to preserving Sudan’s unity amid ongoing conflict.

The RSF and 18 allied movements recently announced the formation of a so-called “peace and unity” government in Nairobi, drawing sharp scrutiny. Kenya, which initially defended its role in the discussions, later softened its stance amid mounting regional concerns.

With Sudan embroiled in a brutal conflict since April 2023, the AU reiterated its commitment to facilitating peaceful negotiations. The war erupted following a breakdown in relations between Sudan’s military leadership and the RSF, leading to intense fighting in Khartoum and other regions.

According to the United Nations, the violence has claimed more than 24,000 lives and forced over 14 million Sudanese — nearly 30% of the population — to flee their homes. Of those displaced, an estimated 3.2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens, the AU continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing that any efforts to establish parallel governance structures risk deepening Sudan’s instability.