Sudan RSF Forms Rival Civilian-Led Government

Sudan's civil war has intensified as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups announced a civilian-led parallel government at a press conference in the RSF-held city of Nyala. Mohamed Hassan al-Ta'ayshi was named prime minister, with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) as president and rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu as vice president of the 15-member presidential council. The new administration, which advocates for a secular 'New Sudan,' directly challenges the army-aligned government led by Kamil Idris. Both sides now claim authority over strategic regions, especially Darfur and Kordofan, and Darfur currently has rival governors. The United Nations has warned that the move could further fragment Sudan and hinder peace efforts. The war, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, with both Dagalo and army leader Burhan facing international sanctions.