SUDAN'S RSF DELAYS POLITICAL CHARTER UNVEILING AMID RISING TENSIONS.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
RSF Deputy Commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo attended the Nairobi Event.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group under international sanctions, has delayed the unveiling of its political charter and constitution to February 21. Initially scheduled for today, the event, set to mark the establishment of a parallel government, was postponed for further consultations by the group's leadership.
The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, had planned to present a new governance framework at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. However, legal advisor Ezzeldin Al Safi explained that the preparatory committee needed more time to finalize the process and hold additional talks.
"We aim to present the political charter and constitution document to the world on February 21," Al Safi stated, adding that the event would span three to four days for a comprehensive program.
The event drew hundreds of RSF supporters, with notable political figures in attendance, including Abdel Rahim Dagalo, Deputy Commander of the RSF, Fadlallah Burma Nasir, leader of Sudan’s National Umma Party, and Abdelaziz al-Hilu, chair of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SPLM-N).
The proposed Sudan Founding Charter aims to restore a legitimate government after the overthrow of Sudan's previous administration, according to RSF leaders. The coalition insists that the document seeks to bring Sudan back to a democratic path, promoting national unity and long-term peace through broad political and civil collaboration.
However, the announcement is likely to escalate tensions with Sudan's ruling military junta, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The military group has been at odds with the RSF since a bitter fallout in April 2023, and tensions have been high ever since.
This move by the RSF could also provoke international reactions, particularly from Washington, which imposed sanctions on Dagalo for his role in ongoing atrocities in Sudan, including the killing of tens of thousands of civilians and targeting ethnic groups. The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Dagalo and associated entities, accusing them of facilitating violence and war crimes.
The RSF’s actions come as Sudan faces international efforts for peace, including talks under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). However, the situation remains fragile, with Sudan’s transition to civilian rule remaining in jeopardy amid continued military infighting and international pressure for de-escalation.
The delay in the RSF's political charter is seen as part of the group’s broader strategy to challenge Sudan's current military leadership while simultaneously drawing international attention to its cause.
