No recognition for RSF regime in Sudan, African Union declares

The African Union (AU) has firmly stated it does not recognise the “parallel government” declared by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan and urged its member states and the wider international community to do the same.

The AU Peace and Security Council issued its statement on July 30, days after the RSF announced the establishment of its own governing authority amidst Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media sources.

The RSF’s move came on July 26, when it unveiled a presidential council and appointed Mohamed Hassan Taishi as prime minister, claiming the formation of a “government of peace and unity.”

The AU warned that such actions could severely undermine ongoing peace efforts and endanger Sudan’s future. "The Council calls on AU member states and the international community to reject the division of Sudan and not to recognise the so-called parallel government, which will have serious consequences for peace efforts and the country’s future," the statement read.

Sudan has been mired in civil war for over two years, leaving the country effectively partitioned. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) currently control the northern, eastern, and central regions, and recently retook the capital, Khartoum. Meanwhile, the RSF maintains control over most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan.

In its statement, the AU also condemned all forms of foreign interference in Sudan’s internal conflict, warning that external support for either side only exacerbates the crisis. The RSF is believed to receive backing from several foreign governments, most notably the United Arab Emirates.

Separately, rising tensions between South Sudan and Uganda turned deadly this week. At least six people were killed in clashes along their disputed border, where frequent confrontations arise due to unclear territorial demarcations.

The incident occurred on July 28 in South Sudan’s Kajjo-Keji district. Officials from South Sudan reported that five members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) were killed during an exchange of gunfire with Ugandan forces.

Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye said that the fighting erupted after soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) entered Uganda’s West Nile region and refused to withdraw. One Ugandan soldier was killed in the ensuing confrontation.

By Tamilla Hasanova