Khartoum: A coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is fighting for power in Sudan’s brutal civil war, has announced the formation of a new parallel government – further tearing the fabric of a fraying nation. In a video statement, the RSF named a prime minister and unveiled a sovereign council.

According to France24.com, the announcement by the RSF marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has already caused widespread devastation across Sudan. The formation of a parallel government threatens to deepen the political crisis and complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Also in this edition, Islamic State takes responsibility for a brutal attack on a church in eastern DRC that killed at least 43 worshippers. IS claims that dozens of homes and shops were burned during the attack.