A rival government is a political group that claims to be the legitimate government (exclusive mandate) of a sovereign state in opposition to another independent government. Such governments tend to be formed in the aftermath of a civil war, revolution, or military coup. They differ from a government in exile as they are based in, and have control over territory within the claimed state.
Current rival governments National level State Rival government UN-recognized government Established NotesChina 1971Originally founded in 1912 following the 1911 Revolution. The Nationalist government took control with the Northern Expedition in the 1920s. Collapsed following the Chinese Civil War and retreated to Taiwan. Lost its international recognition with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the One China policy of the mainland Communist government.Palestine Hamas administration Fatah-led Palestinian Authority2007Established by Hamas in 2007 following the Battle of Gaza in opposition to the Fatah-led Government of Palestine. Based in Gaza City and controls parts of the Gaza Strip.Yemen Supreme Political Council (Houthi-controlled Yemen) Presidential Leadership Council2016Established by the Houthis following their takeover of Sanaa in September 2014 during the Yemeni civil war in opposition to the Presidential Leadership Council. Based in Sanaa and has control over parts of northern and western Yemen. Recognised by Iran as the legitimate government of Yemen and was previously recognised by Syria under the Ba'athist regime.Libya Government of National Stability Government of National Unity2022Formed by the House of Representatives in March 2022 in opposition to the Government of National Unity appointed by the Libyan Presidential Council. Based in Tobruk and controls most of eastern Libya.Sudan Government of Peace and Unity Transitional Sovereignty Council2025Established by the Rapid Support Forces in April 2025 during the Sudanese Civil War in opposition to the cabinet appointed by the Transitional Sovereignty Council. Based in Nyala and controls most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan.
Sub-national level Government State Established Notes People's Government of Kokang Republic of the Union of Myanmar2011Established in response to the Presidential Decree No.22/2011, which officially established the Kokang Self-Administered Zone. West Africa Province Federal Republic of Nigeria2015The Islamic State's West Africa Province runs a rival administration to that of the Nigerian government. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin2017JNIM operates a decentralized proto-state model in areas under its control and presents itself as an alternative to the Malian government. State of Chinland Republic of the Union of Myanmar2023A provisional administration for the Chin State established by ethnic armed organizations during the Myanmar civil war. Karenni State Interim Executive Council Republic of the Union of MyanmarA provisional administration for the Kayah State established by ethnic armed organizations during the Myanmar civil war. Congo River Alliance Democratic Republic of CongoThe Congo River Alliance (AFC) controls 34,000 square kilometers of territory in the North Kivu and South Kivu areas including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. In this territory, the AFC has appointed rival provincial governors in the areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces that are under its control. Administrative Council of Jabal Bashan Syrian Arab Republic2026Replaced the Supreme Legal Committee in Suwayda. Popular Forces administration Hamas administration2025Established in 2025 by the Popular Forces in opposition to the Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war. Based in al-Bayuk and controls most of eastern Rafah and Khan Yunis. Counter-Terrorism Strike Force administrationThe CSF had emerged in August 2025 as a rival administration to Hamas'. It is based in and governs the village of Kizan al-Najjar in the Khan Yunis Governorate of the Gaza Strip. Shuja'iyya Popular Defense Forces administrationOperating within the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line, the SPDF is based in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood of Gaza City, and is also active in nearby Zeitoun and Tuffah. Leader of the SPDF, Rami Hilles claims to have 500 people within his territory as of November 2025. According to Rami Hilles, the group provides humanitarian services in Shuja'iyya and allegedly coordinates with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Chagossian Government Government of the British Indian Ocean Territory Established in December 2025. Aims to prevent the transfer of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. Initially based in the United Kingdom before moving to Île du Coin within the territory itself in February 2026.
Former rival governments