Sudan hails UN Security Council's rejection of parallel government

KHARTOUM

The Sudanese government welcomed a UN Security Council statement Thursday that rejected the signing of a charter to establish a parallel governing authority in Sudan.​​​​​​​

The Security Council expressed grave concern about the charter and warned that it risks exacerbating the fragmentation of the war-torn country and worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.

The Council reaffirmed its members' commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with Sudanese political groups and armed groups signed a political charter Feb. 22 in Kenya to form a parallel government opposing Sudanese authorities.

The Sudanese government protested Kenya's hosting a "conspiracy to establish a government" for the RSF.

On Feb. 20, Sudan recalled its ambassador to Nairobi, Kamal Jabara, in protest against Kenya's involvement in discussions aimed at forming a "parallel government.”

Kenya, however, defended its role, stating that hosting the meetings was part of efforts to find solutions to end the war in Sudan in coordination with the UN and the African Union.

Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information and government spokesman Khalid Alesir said: "The Government of Sudan welcomes the UN Security Council’s statement rejecting the signing of a charter aimed at establishing a parallel governing authority in the country," according to the official Sudanese News Agency (SUNA).

Alesir praised the Council's attention to the situation in Sudan and support for efforts to achieve peace and stability while preserving the country’s sovereignty and unity.

He reaffirmed the “government’s commitment to solutions that ensure an end to the war while maintaining Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, and fulfilling the people’s aspirations for security, democracy, and development.”

Alesir also stressed Sudan’s commitment to international cooperation in supporting those affected by the war and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Sudanese army and the rival RSF have been fighting since April 2023 in a war that has killed more than 20,000 victims and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

International and UN calls for an end to the war are mounting, warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe as millions face famine and death due to food shortages. The conflict has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.