RSF-backed parallel government plans to acquire warplanes

 February 16, 2025 (NAIROBI,) – A key figure in the formation of a parallel government in areas controlled by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), al-Hadi Idris, revealed plans to acquire warplanes to “defend citizens.”

The signing of the political charter for the anticipated government, initially scheduled for Tuesday in Nairobi, has been postponed to Wednesday to allow more signatories to arrive. The announcement of constitutional arrangements and the government itself will follow.

“The new government will purchase weapons to defend citizens, acquire warplanes and train personnel. This is part of the defence ministry’s tasks,” Idris said in an interview with Al Jazeera TV.

He stated that the government plans to form a unified army from various military factions, including the RSF, to protect citizens from attacks “by air and land.” “Otherwise, there is no need to form it,” he added.

Idris affirmed that providing defence mechanisms is among the government’s responsibilities.

According to Idris, the parallel government, which he referred to as the “peace government,” will rely on its own resources, starting with opening border crossings and airspace upon its declaration, while welcoming any international support.

Regarding the financial pledges made by the UAE, Ethiopia, and Kenya, he clarified that “these funds will only go to the peace government.”

The UAE pledged $200 million, Ethiopia $15 million, and Kenya $1 million to the Sudanese people to bolster humanitarian efforts during a conference organized by Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the African Union summit.

New details emerge

Idris revealed that RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, or his deputy Abdel Rahim Hamdan Daglo, will sign the political charter in Nairobi.

He noted that the government’s announcement will take place within Sudan following the signing of the charter in Nairobi, citing the need for international and regional presence.

Idris claimed they have received assurances from several countries, which he declined to name, that will recognize the new government, stressing that it will gain recognition from the Sudanese people if it stops the violence and provides education and identification services.

He explained that the political charter emphasizes the importance of ending the war, maintaining the country’s unity, and the reasons for forming the government, as well as stating that Sudan is a democratic state.

Idris said that the charter will be open for all parties to sign, including the army, should it express a desire to do so.

“After signing the political charter, we will discuss the issue of authority and who will assume positions, and we will announce the government in two or three weeks,” he added.

He indicated that the new government’s capital will be Khartoum, but they have many options if that proves impossible, stressing that they will dissolve the government once the army and RSF reach a peace agreement.

The army has intensified its military operations in Khartoum state recently, reclaiming vast swathes of its three cities and advancing towards regaining control of government buildings, including the presidential palace, which remains under RSF control.