Hemetti advisor denies government formation proposal in RSF-held areas

December 22, 2024 (NAIROBI) – A senior advisor to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemetti, denied on Friday receiving any formal proposal from the Revolutionary Front to form a government in areas under RSF control.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune, Ibrahim Mukhir said the issue was not raised during a meeting between Revolutionary Front leaders and RSF members in Nairobi two weeks ago, despite discussions on the possibility of establishing a government in those areas.

The Revolutionary Front had proposed forming a government at a meeting of the Democratic Civilian Forces Coordination “Tagadum” earlier this month, but most factions within the coalition rejected the idea.

An RSF commander told Sudan Tribune that the priority remains the fight against the army, which he accused of being “hijacked by the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party.” He added that forming a government is not currently feasible given the ongoing conflict and anticipated international political shifts.

This week, RSF leaders told Reuters that several civilian politicians and Revolutionary Front leaders had agreed to form a “peace government.” They said it would be civilian-led, independent of the RSF, and would replace the government in Port Sudan, which they accused of prolonging the war.

Bakri al-Jak, spokesperson for “Tagadum,” told Sudan Tribune that some factions within the coalition might change their stance on forming a government. He indicated the possibility of a change in the positions of some forces within the coalition regarding the formation of a government.

A source within the coalition said Yasir Arman, leader of the SPLM-N – Revolutionary Democratic Current, strongly opposes forming a government in exile or in coordination with the RSF, believing it would lead to the country’s fragmentation.

Several political forces, including the Umma Party and the Sudanese Congress Party, along with the Professionals Association, civil society organizations, and resistance committees within “Tagadum,” rejected any government formation led by the Revolutionary Front.