Poll: 98% of Sudanese Reject the Formation of a “Parallel Government”

Sudanhorizon – Agencies

The results of a public opinion poll conducted among Sudanese inside and outside the country revealed that over 98% of respondents oppose forming a “parallel government.” This initiative was recently established through a charter signed by Sudanese political forces allied with the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
The poll, which involved 48,451 participants and was conducted online over five days, was carried out by the “Arab Experts Center for Public Opinion Studies.” The results, obtained by the “Sudanhorizon” news website, showed that 94.1% of respondents believe the parallel government would fail to provide services and ensure security. In comparison, 71.6% doubted its ability to exercise sovereign functions complementary to the state’s structure. Additionally, respondents questioned its capacity to establish judicial authorities and economic institutions.
In mid-February 2025, Nairobi hosted meetings involving Sudanese political forces and leaders of the RSF militia, aiming to sign a political charter to form a parallel government in areas controlled by the rebels.
A significant majority of participants, 80.4%, expressed their belief that the parallel government if declared, would not gain international recognition. In contrast, 6.7% saw a chance for recognition, while 12.9% were unsure.
Regarding the motives behind the parallel government, 43.7% of participants viewed it as a “tactical move” rather than a genuine strategic choice by the RSF rebels and their political allies. Meanwhile, 36.7% considered it a strategic alternative following the “failure to control” Sudan and overthrow the government entirely. Another 19.6% were uncertain.
When asked about the best solution to manage Sudan’s current political crisis, 61.2% of respondents favoured forming an executive government of independent competencies without political party representation. Additionally, 24.8% supported the continuation of the current government, 7.9% advocated for a national unity government including all parties, 2.1% suggested handing power to an independent civilian council, and 4% provided other responses.
Respondents were asked to explain their reasons among the 98.2% who rejected the parallel government, with multiple options allowed. Their answers indicated that the entities pushing for the parallel government lack legitimacy and popular acceptance among the Sudanese. They also warned that such a move would deepen division and instability and threaten Sudan’s unity. Other reasons included concerns about promoting division, implementing the UAE’s agenda, and jeopardizing regional security and peace.

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