The body joined the Arab League and others in warning that what the paramilitary-led coalition has done will divide the country

The African Union, Arab League, and Saudi Arabia have condemned Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for announcing the formation of a rival government in the conflict-torn country.

In a statement on Tuesday, the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) warned that the move could further fragment Sudan, which has been embroiled in a brutal civil war between the RSF and the national army for over two years.

"Reaffirming respect for Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the council urged all African Union member states and the international community not to recognize or support the so-called parallel government," the PSC stated.

On Saturday, the Leadership Council of the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS), a political coalition aligned with the paramilitary group, announced it had formed a government committed to building an "inclusive homeland" based on freedom, justice, and equality. It named RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as chairman of a 15-member presidential council and Abdelaziz Adam al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader who reportedly controls large areas and troops in South Kordofan, as vice chairman.

Prior to the outbreak of the war in mid-April 2023, following months of tension, Gen. Dagalo had ruled Sudan alongside Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commander Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan under the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC). The two had jointly led the 2019 coup that overthrew long-ruling former President Omar al-Bashir.

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The SAF has denounced the "so-called militia government" as a ploy by the RSF to deceive its allies, while its true intent is to seize power for personal gain.

On Sunday, the Arab League said the move constitutes a "blatant challenge to the will of the Sudanese people and an attempt to impose a fait accompli through military force." 

"Such developments pose a serious threat to regional peace, stability, and security," it warned.

On Tuesday, the African Union reaffirmed its recognition of the TSC and a newly established civilian transitional government as the legitimate authorities in Sudan, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry also urged the warring parties in Sudan to avoid risking division and chaos.