The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under the leadership of Colonel Al-Taj Al-Tijani, have announced the formation of a civil administration in West Kordofan, marking a significant move toward governance in the war-torn state. This initiative follows a founding conference held in Al-Fula, the state capital, as the RSF seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the collapse of Sudan’s military-led government.
West Kordofan has been grappling with a leadership void since the Sudanese military fractured last year, and the RSF, which rebelled against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in April 2023, has steadily expanded its influence. The creation of this new government aims to restore basic services and normalize day-to-day administration in a region left largely outside the control of General al-Burhan’s regime, now based in Port Sudan.
Despite RSF’s territorial control, which has expanded to areas comparable in size to nations like Sweden or Iraq, the region remains plagued by economic challenges and mass displacement. While much of West Kordofan is under RSF authority, critical sites such as Babanusa, An-Nahud, and the strategic Heglig oilfield are still controlled by SAF forces, leading to ongoing hostilities between the factions for over 17 months.
Key Leadership Appointments
During a local meeting on September 10, key officials were elected to lead the newly established administration. Among them:
- Youssef Awad Allah Aliyan was appointed as the Administrative Officer, heading the civil administration.
- Professor Ezz El-Din Ahmed Dafallah Hasab Sayedo was elected as President of the state’s legislative council.
- Lawyer Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Ahmar was chosen as the head of the state judiciary.
The administration’s immediate priorities are the establishment of a functioning civilian government and addressing the urgent needs of local citizens, including healthcare, education, and security.
In his inaugural address, Youssef Awad Allah Aliyan pledged a strong commitment to justice and governance. He acknowledged the profound impact of the conflict on local populations, citing the displacement of over 275,000 families and stressing the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance.
Calls for Unity and Support
Aliyan issued a three-part appeal during his speech:
- To the local community: A plea for unity and cooperation in rebuilding the state.
- To the Sudanese people: An urge to pressure warring factions to cease hostilities and promote national solidarity.
- To the international community: A request for increased humanitarian support and a call for enhanced protection of civilians affected by the war.
He expressed gratitude to the RSF leadership and community stakeholders involved in forming the new administration, voicing optimism that the move would lead to greater stability in the region.
Criticism and Challenges
However, the swift establishment of the civil administration has sparked some criticism. Activist Mahmoud Ghaleela warned that the move might be premature, pointing out that remnants of the National Congress Party and SAF forces still wield influence in the region. He cautioned that the newly formed government could face significant opposition from counter-revolutionary groups.
Local resident Yasser Mohamed echoed concerns over security, reporting continued instability in Al-Fula, where incidents of theft and gunfire are frequent. He called for a stronger police presence to ensure civilian safety and restore law and order.
As the conflict between the RSF and SAF drags on, the success of this newly formed civil administration remains uncertain, with West Kordofan still on the frontlines of Sudan’s wider struggle for control and peace.