The African Union has broken its silence on the formation of the parallel Sudan government by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its affiliated political and social forces.
RSF and allied groups signed a transitional constitution for Sudan on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, taking them a step closer to setting up a parallel government, weeks after they signed a charter in Nairobi on February 23, sparking a diplomatic row between Kenya and Sudan.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, March 12, a day after the AU's Peace and Security Council (PSC) held a meeting on the situation in Sudan, the council called on all AU member states and the international community not to recognise any parallel government or entity seeking to partition and govern any part of the territory of Sudan or its institutions.
''Council called on all AU Member States and the international community not to recognise any parallel government or entity seeking to partition and govern any part of the territory of the Republic of Sudan or its institutions,'' read part of the communiqué by the AU.
''And further called on all Member States and the international community to refrain from recognising and/or providing support or assistance to any armed or political group toward the establishment of a parallel government or state entity in the Republic of Sudan,'' the AU continued.
According to the AU, such action by the RSF carries a huge risk of partitioning Sudan.
''Council does not recognise the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of Sudan,'' the communiqué continued.
The AU further advised all member states and the international community to refrain from recognising and/or providing support or assistance to any armed or political group toward the establishment of a parallel government or state entity in Sudan.
Meanwhile, the AU has reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan and the peaceful resolution of the current devastating conflict.
The AU has called on all parties to heed the calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access during Ramadan and to commit to comprehensive and inclusive peace talks to end the conflict and restore peace.
After the RSF held several meetings in Nairobi, Kenya has been on the receiving end, with several leaders in Sudan condemning President Ruto's move for allowing the meetings to take place.
While defending itself, Kenya released a statement expressing its willingness to support both parties in finding a long-lasting solution to ending the conflict in Sudan.
