Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and its allies agreed on Sunday to form a parallel government in areas controlled by the paramilitary. The agreement signed said the charter will lead to the establishment of a "government of peace and unity" in rebel-controlled areas, a widely expected move that had led to fears that it could further fragment the war-devastated country.
The RSF's adversary, the national army led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, backs a caretaking administration based in the city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Gen Al Burhan, also the nation's de facto president, recently spoke of setting up a government of technocrats to run the country's day-to-day affairs until the conflict ends. No concrete steps have since been taken to form such a government.
The charter laying the foundation of the proposed government was signed behind closed doors in Nairobi amid tight security measure. It calls for a "secular, democratic, decentralised state based on freedom, equality, and justice, without bias towards any cultural, ethnic, religious or regional identity". It says it aspires to a "new, unified, professional, national army" with a military doctrine reflecting Sudan's "diversity and plurality".
The phrasing appeared designed to appeal to the millions of Sudanese in what is commonly known in the country as the "fringe", a reference to residents of the far-flung regions of Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile who have long complained of discrimination by a northern Sudan's political elite.
The three regions have for years seen anti-government rebellions, some of which continue to this day.
No date was given for the establishment of the government which, according to the charter, will aim to end the war and enable the arrival and distribution of humanitarian assistance.
A spokesman for UN chief António Guterres warned that Sunday's move by the RSF and its allies could "increase the fragmentation of the country and risk making this crisis even worse".
Hosting the signing ceremony in Nairobi has strained relations between the Kenyan government and Gen Al Burhan's administration.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry on Friday said it was recalling its ambassador in Nairobi, which said hosting the ceremony was a continuation of its decades-old role as a mediator in Sudan's domestic conflicts. Sudan responded by calling Nairobi's action "hostile and irresponsible".
Prominent among the charter's signatories was a faction of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz Al Hilu, which controls parts of the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in the country's south. Abdel Rahim Dagalo, deputy and brother of RSF commander Gen Mohamed Dagalo, also signed.
News of a government to be set up in RSF controlled areas – parts of the capital's greater region, most of the western Darfur region and parts of Kordofan to the south-west – came as the paramilitary's war against the army nears its second year anniversary on April 15.
The war has killed tens of thousands, forced more than 12 million people to flee their homes and left about 26 million – more than half the population – facing acute hunger, with pockets of famine already surfacing in parts of the vast country in north-east Africa.
Both the army and the RSF, whose forerunner is the notorious Darfur Janjaweed militia, have been accused by foreign governments and international rights groups of committing war crimes.
The US has singled out the RSF for charges of genocide in Darfur. Gen Dagalo and Gen Al Burhan have also had sanctions imposed by the US for their part in the war.
The Sudan war is essentially a power struggle between the one-time allied generals who jointly led a coup in 2021 that toppled a civilian-led transitional government two years after the removal of dictator Omar Al Bashir amid a popular uprising against his 29-year rule.
Sunday's agreement also comes after battlefield gains by the army in the capital and central Sudan, with troops and their allies now on the verge of throwing the paramilitary completely out of the capital's three Nile-side cities – Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri.
However, the RSF's alliance with the SPLM-N gives it access to more territory in Kordofan and expands the international borders within reach to include the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Ethiopia, in addition to Libya and Chad.
Alaa El-Din Nuqd, a signatory representing professional unions, said the proposed government would benefit people in RSF-held areas "who have been cut off from essential services". The charter, he said, was a step towards "protecting the dignity" of war-hit civilians.
Additional reporting by AFP
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
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