(MENAFN) A coalition led by Sudan’s powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), declared the establishment of a rival government on Saturday—an alarming move that threatens to further fracture a nation already mired in more than two years of civil war.

"The leadership body of the Sudan Founding Alliance has agreed to appoint Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as Prime Minister of the Peace Government," stated spokesperson Alaa El Din Nugud in a televised announcement broadcast via Telegram.

The new parallel administration names RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as President of the Presidential Council, described as the highest sovereign authority within the new structure. Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu, head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), was appointed as Vice President of the Council, according to the statement.

An unnamed source within the alliance told media that the RSF had secured 42% of the governmental roles, while the SPLM-N received 33%. The remaining 25% of positions were divided among other participating factions.

Political commentator Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub warned that this development could significantly worsen the country's already dire political instability.

"There are serious concerns that Sudan may face the specter of division, given the existence of two governments. This reality worsens the political situation in the country," Mahjoub said.

"Having two governments entrenches geographic division ... This could eventually lead to permanent partition, as seen in certain other countries," he added.

The RSF and several allied political and armed groups signed a founding charter in February, laying the foundation for this new alternative authority.

The RSF maintains military control over large swaths of western Sudan, particularly the Darfur region, as well as parts of Kordofan.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a violent struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The ongoing conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes, either internally or across international borders.

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