Haroun Medikhar, advisor to the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), denied on Monday any intention of establishing a parallel government in Darfur after the RSF gained control of several strategic areas in the region.
“We do not declare a government; the government is declared by the people,” Medikhar told Arab World Press (AWP).
“It is the people who are now organizing themselves and forming their popular government to manage their local affairs until there is peace in the country,” he explained.
“Our vision is for people to manage their local affairs through popular administration until life returns to normal,” added Medikhar, emphasizing that security will be stable in the areas controlled by the RSF.
Over the past two weeks, the RSF seized control of the cities of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state, and Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state.
They have also taken control of one of the military headquarters in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state.
“The war is ongoing from both sides, not just by the RSF alone,” said Medikhar in response to a question about the reasons behind the continued RSF targeting of locations and attempts to expand control on the ground, despite ongoing negotiations with the Sudanese army in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
Medikhar expressed his belief that there are entities with influence over the army’s decisions “who are not interested in negotiations.”
The RSF have perceived a lack of seriousness from the army delegation, explained Medikhar.
“Islamists are in control of decisions within the Sudanese armed forces,” he said.
Medikhar reiterated that the RSF strongly desires reaching a ceasefire, emphasizing that their delegation has not left Jeddah, where negotiations with the army are taking place.
It is noteworthy that negotiations between the RSF and the Sudanese army have resumed with the sponsorship of Saudi Arabia and the US after a months-long hiatus.
