Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and allies have signed a charter that paved the way for the establishment of a parallel government, as Sudan's army made advances recently against the rival groups.

Sudan has condemned Kenya for hosting a meeting led by the rebels, and the UN is warning the move could further divide the war-torn country.

Sudan Shield Forces, a militia allied with the Sudanese army, said on Saturday that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had retreated from positions in Soba, east of the capital Khartoum, under attacks launched in conjunction with the army.