General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of Sudan’s powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been appointed as the leader of a newly formed alliance of political parties and rebel groups, signaling a major step toward establishing a rival government in areas under RSF control. The alliance, known as the Foundation Alliance or “Taasees,” held its latest meeting in Nyala, a city in Darfur under RSF authority, where a 31-member leadership structure was unveiled with Dagalo at the helm and rebel leader Abdul Aziz Al Helu named as his deputy.
Taasees, launched in Kenya in February, has declared its mission to dismantle Sudan’s existing political framework and establish a new state grounded in equal citizenship, inclusive justice, and lasting peace. The alliance’s spokesman described the process as transparent and focused on creating a viable political platform amid the country’s protracted civil war.
Since the outbreak of war between the RSF and Sudan’s national army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, the country has been split between rival power centers. The RSF now controls nearly all of western Darfur and parts of Kordofan, while the army retains authority in the capital Khartoum, eastern Sudan, and northern regions. After more than two years of conflict, tens of thousands have been killed, over 14 million displaced, and half the nation’s 50 million people face acute food insecurity.
Analysts believe the formation of Taasees is a strategic political maneuver by the RSF to legitimize its grip on territory and present a credible front in any future negotiations. With international discussions reportedly being planned in Washington to find a political solution involving key regional powers such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, this move may strengthen RSF’s bargaining position.
Meanwhile, the army has established its own 22-member government based in Port Sudan, naming veteran UN diplomat Kamil Idris as prime minister. However, only the defense and interior ministries have been filled, as military-aligned rebel groups demand representation.
Despite both factions claiming to champion democracy and development, the war has been marred by serious human rights abuses. The RSF stands accused by the UN and the International Criminal Court of committing ethnic cleansing and widespread sexual violence, particularly in Darfur and Khartoum. The army has also faced allegations of indiscriminate shelling and civilian casualties. Both generals have been sanctioned by the United States for alleged war crimes.
Sudanese analysts warn that the creation of a parallel administration could deepen the country’s fragmentation. Some compare the current trajectory to Libya’s post-2011 split, where two rival governments emerged after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. As Sudan edges closer to formal division between eastern and western power centers, the prospect of reunification under a single civilian-led government appears increasingly distant.
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