Sudan Military Denounce RSF’s ‘phantom government’ as power struggle escalates

Sudan’s Army-backed administration has strongly condemned the formation of a parallel government by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF),branding it a “phantom government” and accusing the group of deepening national suffering.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry,in a statement issued on Sunday,July 27,said the RSF’s move was a blatant disregard for the plight of civilians and a desperate attempt by a “terrorist militia” facing defeat on the battlefield. The RSF’s decision to appoint a rival prime minister and establish a presidential council,the ministry added,exemplified its intent to undermine Sudan’s sovereignty.

The announcement follows Saturday’s declaration by the Sudanese Founding Alliance,a coalition led by the RSF,that Mohamed Hassan al-Ta’ayshi—a former member of Sudan’s transitional sovereign council—had been appointed prime minister of a so-called “government of peace and unity.” This government,conceived in Nairobi,Kenya,in February by the RSF and its allies,seeks to challenge the legitimacy of the army-led administration and facilitate foreign arms imports. Sudan’s government also criticised Kenya for hosting the meetings,accusing it of interfering in internal affairs.

The formation of rival administrations is likely to intensify the ongoing war that erupted in April 2023 and has since killed over 20,000 people—though independent estimates suggest the toll could be as high as 130,000. The United Nations has warned that this development could further fragment Sudan and derail ongoing peace efforts. As it stands,Sudan is divided,with the army controlling the north,east,and central regions—including Khartoum—while the RSF holds swathes of western Sudan,particularly Darfur. The internationally recognised transitional government led by Kamil Idris remains incomplete,highlighting the fragility of the current political landscape.