• Sudan's RSF announces the formation of a rival government, escalating the ongoing civil war.
• The war has led to over 13 million displaced and tens of thousands dead, described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
• Experts warn the conflict could result in a permanent division of Sudan.
• The RSF's actions have drawn international condemnation, particularly regarding its attacks on civilians in Darfur.
• A London conference pledged substantial humanitarian aid to address the crisis, though key parties were absent.

On the second anniversary of the conflict, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, declared the establishment of a rival government known as the "Government of Peace and Unity." This announcement directly challenges the authority of the army-backed administration led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing civil war that erupted on April 15, 2023. Dagalo characterized this administration as a broad coalition that "reflects the true face of Sudan" in a statement on Telegram, according to Source Name.

The RSF, having previously signed a charter in Kenya calling for a new administration, has now endorsed a transitional constitution, which Dagalo described as a "roadmap for a new Sudan." This document proposes the formation of a 15-member presidential council representing all regions of the country, a move that raises concerns about the potential for political fragmentation. According to experts, this territorial division may lead to a "de facto separation" of Sudan as the conflict intensifies, warns Sharath Srinivasan, a professor at Cambridge University, according to Source Name.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, with the United Nations estimating that over 13 million people have been displaced as a result of the conflict. Many civilians returning to areas previously controlled by the military have found their homes looted or destroyed. For instance, Zainab Abdel Rahim, who returned to Khartoum North with her children, described the dire circumstances, saying, "We're trying to pull together the essentials, but there’s no water, no electricity, no medicine," as reported by Source Name.

As the RSF consolidates its grip on regions such as Darfur, violence has escalated significantly. Recent reports indicate that over 400 people were killed in attacks linked to the RSF, specifically targeting displacement camps in North Darfur. The U.S. government has condemned the RSF's actions against civilians, advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law and accountability for violations, according to reports from Source Name.

International responses to the ongoing crisis include a donor conference held in London, where countries pledged over $800 million in humanitarian aid to support those affected by the conflict. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of diplomatic efforts, stating, "We cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict," as noted by Source Name.