Sudan summons UN officials over RSF humanitarian body, warns against dealing with parallel authority

Sudan summoned the United Nations' resident humanitarian coordinator and representatives of accredited UN agencies in the country to warn against dealing with the so-called National Humanitarian Access Authority, which is affiliated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement issued late Wednesday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said it summoned the UN resident humanitarian coordinator "to present the government's rejection of the flawed decision issued by the political arm of the rebel RSF militia."

RSF parallel body

Last month, an RSF-affiliated administration based in Nyala in western Sudan created a parallel body to handle humanitarian affairs. It ordered foreign and local organizations to register within 30 days and required them to open offices in RSF-controlled areas within 45 days. The ministry warned that any institutional dealings with the RSF-run body would amount to "support for illegitimate parallel entities and a clear violation of Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

UN Security Council stance

The ministry said such unilateral steps contradict a UN Security Council statement in August 2025 against creating any parallel authorities or structures, which it described as "a direct threat to the stability of Sudan and the region." It urged all international and regional organizations accredited in Sudan to strictly respect the country's sovereignty, warning it would not tolerate any violations.

RSF parallel government

Last July, the RSF announced the formation of a parallel government in areas under its control, despite opposition from Sudanese authorities, the UN Security Council, the African Union, the EU and the Arab League. The RSF controls Darfur's five states except parts of North Darfur, while the army maintains authority over most remaining states.

Sudan conflict

Sudan has faced one of the world's worst humanitarian crises since war erupted in April 2023 between the army and the RSF over integration disputes. The conflict has triggered famine, killed tens of thousands, and displaced 13 million people.