Key takeaways:

• The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a charter for a "government of peace and unity" amidst ongoing conflict.
• Sudan’s army has made critical advances, regaining control of el-Gitaina and breaking a siege on el-Obeid.
• The situation has prompted international concern, with accusations of atrocities against both the RSF and the army.
• Global leaders, including from the U.S. and Egypt, have condemned the RSF's formation of a parallel government.

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a new charter aimed at establishing a "government of peace and unity," following a signing ceremony conducted in secret in Nairobi, Kenya. This development comes as the RSF grapples with significant territorial losses to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which recently reported regaining control over the southern town of el-Gitaina and breaking the nearly two-year siege of the strategically vital city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state, according to Reuters.

The charter was signed under the auspices of various political and armed groups, including powerful rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu, despite widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and global leaders who cited ongoing humanitarian crises and alleged genocide committed by the RSF in the course of the conflict. This war, which erupted in April 2023, has since claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, according to Al Jazeera.

The signing of the charter has raised concerns among the international community about increased fragmentation in Sudan. Sudan's Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, reiterated the government's refusal to recognize any attempts to establish a parallel government while condemning foreign support for the RSF's move, as reported by BBC. Egypt's Foreign Minister also voiced disapproval, affirming Egypt's commitment to Sudan's territorial integrity in response to the RSF's charter.

The SAF’s recent operations are seen as pivotal in the ongoing struggle, with Army spokesman Nabil Abdallah announcing military gains that are being celebrated in various Sudanese cities. The Sudanese civil society, as voiced by activist Dallia Abdlemoniem, echoes the sentiment of relief following the recapture of el-Gitaina, indicating that the RSF had effectively "held the civilians captive for nearly two years."

As international diplomacy continues to falter, both the army and RSF are expected to endure more strife as they maintain foreign support. The catastrophic impact of this conflict, underlined by widespread hunger affecting half of Sudan's population, calls for urgent attention from the global community, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance as highlighted by Reuters.