Sudan’s government rebuked Kenya for its support of rival forces aiming to establish a parallel government amidst ongoing conflict. This dispute has ignited Sudan’s plans for economic sanctions and diplomatic actions against Kenya, raising concerns about regional security and humanitarian crises.
Sudan’s army-aligned administration formally criticized Kenya on Monday for what it described as “irresponsible and hostile” support towards rival paramilitary forces aiming to establish a parallel government. The ongoing conflict between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has intensified since April 2023, leading to widespread turmoil.
Recently, the RSF, along with various political and armed groups, signed a charter in Nairobi for a “peace and unity” government in rebel-controlled territories. In response, Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned this development as a perilous precedent that threatens regional security. It accused Kenya’s leadership of endorsing an emerging government from factions it termed genocidal militants.
As a counteraction, Sudan announced plans to impose economic penalties on Kenya, including a potential ban on Kenyan imports and the withdrawal of its ambassador from Nairobi. The Sudanese government intends to pursue a formal complaint against Kenya through relevant regional and international entities.
The charter’s signatories included a group from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, which holds territories in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Despite this opposition, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi referred to the charter as a peace agreement, insisting it would foster democratic governance in Sudan, aiming to restore stability and peace.
Khartoum accused Nairobi of enabling the RSF to procure arms while easing the constraints on their regional sponsors. The Sudanese foreign ministry warned that Kenya’s actions could exacerbate the ongoing conflict and weaken diplomatic relations between the two nations. Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates has faced allegations of weapon supplies to the RSF.
Kenyan President William Ruto was accused by Sudan of having vested interests in supporting RSF leaders. The signing of the charter occurred concurrently with military gains made by the army against the RSF in critical regions, amid a backdrop where Sudan faces a humanitarian crisis characterized by displacement and food scarcity.
In conclusion, Sudan has condemned Kenya’s support for rival paramilitary factions, which seeks to establish a parallel governance structure amidst ongoing conflict. The Sudanese government plans to retaliate economically and diplomatically against Kenya, viewing these actions as detrimental to regional stability. With the humanitarian crisis exacerbating, the conflict between the warring factions continues to evolve, attracting increased international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
