TEHRAN – Iran on Thursday voiced serious concern over the deepening conflict in Sudan, warning that the formation of a rival government by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) poses a grave threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the RSF’s move to establish a parallel administration as a “destructive” development, calling it a violation of Sudan’s national unity.
“The establishment of a rival government undermines Sudan’s stability and security,” Baghaei said. “The only solution is for clashes to cease and for a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue to begin—free from foreign interference.”
Baghaei also condemned external involvement in Sudan’s internal affairs as “very harmful,” emphasizing that regional and international actors should support dialogue rather than fuel divisions.
The RSF, a powerful paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, last week announced the formation of a competing government based in Nyala, southern Darfur—a move that has been condemned by the United Nations and the African Union. Political analysts warn the development could accelerate the fragmentation of the country.
Sudan has been mired in a brutal conflict since April 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, escalated into full-scale war. Tens of thousands have been killed, and millions displaced.
The Sudanese army has since retaken Khartoum and several central provinces, while the RSF has consolidated control over much of the Darfur region, excluding the contested city of al-Fashir, where fierce fighting continues.
Sudan recently severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of arming the RSF.