Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi, stated that Sudan’s upcoming “Government of Peace and Unity” aims to protect civilians from the systematic and unprecedented aerial bombardment carried out by the Sudanese army.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Safi said that the new government, expected to be formed within a month of signing the political charter and interim constitution in Nairobi, will seek mechanisms to halt these attacks, which have killed over 5,000 people in recent months.
The RSF official emphasized that the primary duty of the new government is to stop the air raids. When asked if the RSF intends to acquire advanced air defense systems, he explained that the government would comply with international protocols on weapon acquisition, ensuring that only a national army possesses such capabilities. He argued that the Sudanese army’s sole military advantage lies in its air force and that neutralizing it would force the army to negotiate peace.
Regarding international recognition, Al-Safi dismissed the legitimacy of the Port Sudan-based government, claiming that it has seized state institutions to obtain weapons. He expressed hope that regional and international governments would support the new administration’s vision for peace and endorse it as Sudan’s legitimate government.
However, he stressed that the real recognition would come from the Sudanese people, “who have suffered for over two years from war, hunger, and deprivation.” He accused the Sudanese army and allied Islamist militias of weaponizing starvation against civilians, leading to food shortages and famine in several regions.
The new government, he asserted, will restore security, provide essential services, and work with friendly nations and humanitarian organizations to rebuild war-torn areas, regardless of political recognition.
Al-Safi revealed that the new government would be announced from Khartoum, dismissing speculation that it would be formed in exile. He clarified that the ongoing political discussions in Kenya are meant to finalize the political charter, similar to Kenya’s previous mediation efforts that led to Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
He confirmed that the charter has been approved, the interim constitution is in its final stages, and the government’s emergency program has been outlined. The final steps involve appointing government officials, including ministers and governors for Sudan’s 18 states, with the formation deadline set within a month of signing the interim constitution.
On alliances, Al-Safi confirmed that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by Abdelaziz Al-Hilu, is in advanced discussions to join the new government. A finalized version of the political charter incorporating SPLM’s amendments has been agreed upon, and full participation is expected once their delegation arrives in Nairobi, he remarked, adding that discussions with the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdelwahid Al-Nur, are ongoing, with growing prospects of his faction joining as well.
Al-Safi concluded that the new government already enjoys widespread public support, as demonstrated by mass rallies in Darfur. Following its formation, official delegations will engage regional and Western governments, as well as international organizations, to outline their plans for peace, reconstruction, and humanitarian relief, he stated.
