Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Khartoum accuses Nairobi of violating international law and supporting a paramilitary group responsible for ongoing violence in Sudan.
Sudan’s foreign ministry has criticized Kenya for allowing a political event in Nairobi that supports the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is a paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country. The meeting on Tuesday was meant to create a new political group supporting the RSF.
A political agreement is expected to be signed in three days, followed by plans to set up a government in areas controlled by the RSF. Sudan’s government has strongly opposed this move, calling it a violation of Kenya’s promises and an act of hostility against Sudan.
In a statement, Sudan’s foreign ministry said it was disappointed that Kenya hosted the event. It said Kenya had earlier promised not to allow any activities against Sudan on its land. The ministry accused Kenya of interfering in Sudan’s internal matters and trying to divide African countries. Sudan believes this event is aimed at forming a separate government in RSF-controlled areas.
This comes after recent talks between the two countries. On January 26, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif met Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi. After the meeting, Youssif said Kenya had changed its position on Sudan and that President Ruto had assured him Kenya would not recognize any RSF-led government.
However, Sudan’s foreign ministry now says Kenya has broken its promises. The ministry referred to international laws, including the UN Charter and the Genocide Convention, arguing that Kenya’s actions indirectly support crimes committed by the RSF. Sudan blames the RSF for acts of genocide and mass killings of civilians based on ethnicity.
“Allowing RSF leaders to hold political events while they continue to commit genocide and kill civilians is encouraging and supporting these crimes,” the ministry said.
Despite the political activities in Nairobi, Sudanese officials say the event will not affect the fight on the ground. The foreign ministry stressed that the Sudanese army and its allies are determined to take back all areas controlled by the RSF.
Sudan has also asked the international community to condemn Kenya’s actions. It urged world leaders to criticize the Kenyan government for interfering in Sudan’s affairs. The ministry added that Sudan would take action to address the issue, though it did not say what steps it would take.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF started in April 2023, leading to a devastating civil war. Thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and humanitarian conditions have worsened. The RSF, which was originally a government-backed paramilitary group, has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including massacres and ethnic killings, especially in Darfur.
Kenya has been involved in mediation efforts to end the conflict through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). However, Sudan has previously accused Kenya of favoring the RSF. This latest event has made relations between the two countries worse and raises questions about Kenya’s ability to act as a neutral mediator.
As tensions rise, Sudan’s foreign ministry insists that no foreign intervention will change the outcome of the war. The Sudanese government says it will continue fighting to regain control of RSF-held areas and bring stability to the country. Meanwhile, the international community is under pressure to respond to Kenya’s involvement in the crisis and to take a stand on the ongoing conflict in Sudan.