Sudanese Rebel Groups Unite in Kenya to Form Government of Unity
Nairobi, Kenya – A historic meeting of Sudanese rebel groups, including the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and associated factions, has taken place in Kenya, with the aim of establishing a unified government in Sudan. The meeting, which took place in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, brought together representatives from various factions to discuss and finalize the formation of a new government.
The gathering saw leaders from the RSF, along with other rebel groups, including the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), and the Sudanese Federal Armed Forces (SFAF), among others, coming together to pave the way for a unified government. The meeting was facilitated by the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), two prominent regional organizations that have been working to resolve the long-standing political crisis in Sudan.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemeti, is one of the most powerful rebel groups in Sudan, with a significant military presence in the country. The SRF, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, is another major faction, with a strong presence in the Nuba Mountains region. The SPLM-N, led by Malik Agar, is a predominantly Christian SPLM faction, while the SFAF is a new force formed by former soldiers who defected from the Sudanese army.
The meeting, held from May 15-17, resulted in a statement confirming the formation of a government of national unity, which is seen as a crucial step towards ending the political deadlock and conflict in Sudan. The statement emphasized the importance of establishing a new government that is inclusive, representative, and accountable to the Sudanese people.
The delegates also mapped out a roadmap for the transition process, including the establishment of an interim government, the drafting of a new constitution, and the holding of democratic elections. The roadmap is expected to be implemented over the next 18 months, with the aim of paving the way for a new political era in Sudan.
The formation of the government of unity is seen as a significant breakthrough in the long and arduous process of resolving the political crisis in Sudan, which has been ongoing since 2019. The crisis began with a military coup that overthrew the democratically-elected government of Omar al-Bashir and led to widespread protests, violence, and a humanitarian crisis.
The international community, including the African Union, the United States, the European Union, and the United Arab Emirates, has been actively engaged in efforts to support the political process in Sudan, providing diplomatic support, financial assistance, and technical expertise to the stakeholders.
The meeting in Kenya represents a significant step towards resolving the political crisis in Sudan, as it brings together key stakeholders in a single forum to agree on a unified government and a roadmap for the country’s future. The success of the meeting is expected to pave the way for a new era of political stability, economic development, and human rights in Sudan.
In a statement released after the meeting, the African Union and IGAD hailed the agreement as "a major breakthrough" and commended the Sudanese stakeholders for their "commitment to peace, stability, and democracy." The two organizations also emphasized their readiness to continue to support the Sudanese people and government in their efforts to build a stable and peaceful future.
As the Sudanese people look forward to a brighter future, the successful implementation of the roadmap agreed upon in Kenya is crucial to achieving lasting peace and stability in the country. The formation of a government of unity is a significant step in this direction, and the international community is expected to continue to play a key role in supporting the Sudanese people in their quest for peace, stability, and democracy.
