Portugal Colonial - Rebel rival government in Sudan 'not the answer': UK

"Unilateral declarations to establish parallel governments on territory under their control are not the answer," a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP.

"Instead, preserving Sudan's territorial integrity and sovereignty are paramount."

The rebels' announcement came on the second anniversary of the outbreak of the devastating war, and only a few hours after London hosted a major Sudan conference gathering ministers from about 15 countries and high-level international officials.

Neither of the warring Sudanese sides, which have both been accused of atrocities, was invited to participate in the conference.

"An inclusive and civilian-led peace settlement is critical for maintaining Sudan's unity," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP.

The Rapid Support Forces, headed by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the former deputy to the regular army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, announced his rival government amid growing fears Sudan could be partitioned and split between the two sides.

The United Nations says the conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023 is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 13 million people displaced -- including more than 3.5 million to other countries -- and no sign of peace on the horizon.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed, and around 30 million are said to be in dire need of humanitarian aid.

"On this anniversary, we proudly declare the establishment of the Government of Peace and Unity, a broad coalition that reflects the true face of Sudan," RSF leader Daglo said in a Telegram statement.

He said the paramilitaries, with "civil and political forces", had signed a transitional constitution that was a "roadmap for a new Sudan".

That constitution provides for a 15-member presidential council "representing all regions, symbolising our voluntary unity".

Only hours earlier, the co-chairs of the London Sudan conference issued a statement stressing the need "to avoid any partition" of Sudan.

It also "rejected any plans, including any announcement of parallel governments, that risk the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan".

C.Cassis--PC