Kenya has defended its role in Sudan peace efforts after Sudan accused it of violating its sovereignty. The accusations came after Kenya hosted a meeting of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. Sudan’s government called Kenya’s move an “act of hostility,” claiming it interfered in the country’s internal affairs.
Kenya’s foreign ministry responded on Wednesday, stating that it remains committed to peace and stability in Sudan. Officials emphasized that Kenya has no hidden motives and only seeks to support dialogue. Kenya also noted that it has hosted many Sudanese refugees and continues to help those affected by the war.
Sudan’s Accusation and Rising Tensions
The Sudanese government expressed anger over Kenya’s decision to allow RSF leaders to meet in Nairobi on Tuesday. RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo led the talks at the Kenyatta International Conference Center. The meeting came just before the RSF announced its plans to form a parallel government. Sudanese authorities see this as a direct challenge to their rule.
Macharia Munene, an international relations professor at the United States International University-Africa, said Kenya risks damaging its reputation. He argued that President William Ruto’s close ties with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, may harm Kenya’s standing in the region. Munene warned that Kenya’s foreign policy is becoming a “one-man show” and could lead to diplomatic isolation.
Although Hemedti was not at the Nairobi meeting, his brother has met with President Ruto multiple times. The Sudanese government believes these connections show that Kenya is favoring one side in the conflict rather than acting as a neutral mediator.
The Ongoing Sudan Conflict
Sudan has been in turmoil since fighting broke out between the Sudanese military and the RSF in April 2023. The United Nations reports that more than 24,000 people have died, and over 14 million people—about 30% of Sudan’s population—have been displaced. Around 3.2 million have fled to neighboring countries, including Kenya.
On Tuesday, Sudanese officials reported that recent RSF attacks killed more than 400 civilians, including infants. They accused the RSF of carrying out these attacks after suffering major losses against the Sudanese army.
Kenya’s Role in Regional Stability
Kenya has long played a role in peace talks across Africa. The country helped broker peace deals in South Sudan and Somalia in the past. Kenya also leads the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has tried to mediate Sudan’s crisis. However, Sudanese authorities have criticized IGAD, accusing it of bias.
Peace activist and journalist Haydar Abdul Karim, who now lives in Kenya, said governments in the region should remain neutral. He warned against supporting one side in the war and urged leaders to push for negotiations instead.
The situation remains tense as Sudan and Kenya navigate their diplomatic rift. Kenya insists it is working for peace, but Sudan sees its actions as interference. The conflict continues to cause suffering for millions, with no clear end in sight.
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