London- UK , July 29, 2025 – 

Across Africa, significant political and, by extension, cultural developments are unfolding, with Sudan witnessing the formation of a parallel government by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Cameroon grappling with the controversial barring of a major opposition leader from its upcoming presidential race. These events underscore the dynamic and often volatile nature of governance and power struggles on the continent.

Sudan’s Deepening Divide: RSF Forms Parallel Government

In a move set to further entrench the devastating civil war in Sudan, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies have announced the formation of a parallel government in areas under their control, primarily in the western region of Darfur. The RSF-led “Tasis Alliance” declared the establishment of a 15-member sovereign council, with RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as “Hemedti,” at its head. A civilian politician, Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi, was named as prime minister.

This development, announced on Saturday, July 26th, is a direct challenge to the internationally recognized, army-led government currently operating from Port Sudan. The RSF stated that this new administration aims to pursue a “secular, democratic, and decentralized Sudan.” However, the move is widely expected to deepen the country’s crisis, which has seen fierce fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, resulting in widespread displacement, humanitarian catastrophe, and allegations of war crimes. The Sudanese foreign ministry has condemned the RSF’s announcement as a “fake government” and urged the international community not to engage with it.

Cameroon Election Fears Mount After Opposition Leader Barred

Meanwhile, in West Africa, Cameroon’s political landscape is bracing for potential unrest after the country’s electoral commission, ELECAM, rejected the candidacy of Maurice Kamto, the main opposition leader, from the upcoming October 12th presidential election. The decision, announced on Saturday, July 26th, has fueled fears of protests and further solidified the likelihood of another victory for the nonagenarian incumbent, President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

Kamto, who came second in the 2018 presidential election, was widely seen as Biya’s strongest challenger. While ELECAM approved 13 other presidential candidates, no specific reason was publicly given for Kamto’s exclusion. His legal team has two days to appeal the decision, but given Cameroon’s politicized judiciary, many observers believe his chances of success are slim. The move has sparked outrage among Kamto’s supporters and human rights organizations, who view it as a deliberate attempt to sideline a key opponent and further consolidate Biya’s decades-long rule.

Security forces have reportedly been deployed in major cities, including the capital Yaoundé, amidst warnings from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security about potential civil unrest.

These two distinct, yet equally impactful, developments highlight the complex and often contentious political currents shaping the African continent, with profound implications for peace, stability, and democratic progress in the respective nations.