Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Kenya in response to Nairobi’s meetings with rival forces aiming to establish a competing government, led by the RSF. The conflict in Sudan has caused significant displacement and fatalities, attracting international scrutiny and regional concern over Kenya’s role. Reactions from Kenyan civil society and the political sphere reveal widespread criticism of Ruto’s government allowing such gatherings.
The Sudanese military-led government has recalled its ambassador from Kenya, reacting to Nairobi’s facilitation of meetings aimed at establishing a rival government supported by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Announced by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision dates back to Thursday after the Founding Alliance for Sudan was established in Kenya to create this opposition government. General Hemedti leads the RSF, which has faced allegations of genocide in Darfur and is currently under U.S. sanctions.
In Kenya, reactions from political and civil society leaders reflected confusion regarding President William Ruto’s decision to host these meetings. Former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the reception of warlords, stating, “We are welcoming warlords. We are making headlines for discovering a new way to embarrass the nation.” Additionally, lawyer Willis Evans Otieno argued that Kenya should not become a hub for foreign insurgencies.
The Sudanese foreign ministry condemned Ruto’s actions, calling them a “disgraceful position” that undermines Sudan’s sovereignty. The ministry summoned the Sudanese ambassador for consultations as they regarded Kenya’s hosting of the RSF and its allies as hostile. At the Nairobi event, the RSF announced plans to sign a founding charter for a peace and unity government, which had initially been scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced over 12 million since it erupted in April 2023. The conflict has fragmented the country with the army controlling the north and east, while the RSF dominates the west and south. Amidst military offensives, the RSF is seeking to establish governance in areas it occupies, especially in Darfur, a region it mostly controls.
A UN spokesman cautioned that the signing of the charter could exacerbate national fragmentation and worsen Sudan’s crisis. In response to these developments, the Arab League denounced any actions that would threaten Sudan’s unity. The Kenyan foreign ministry has defended hosting the RSF event, asserting it aligns with Kenya’s role in peace negotiations.
Sudan accused President Ruto of prioritizing personal and commercial interests, alluding to his ties with the UAE, which is allegedly arming the RSF. This tension coincides with a new economic agreement between Kenya and the UAE that Ruto’s office described as a major achievement in Africa. Concerns are mounting over Kenya’s growing association with human rights abuses amid rising incidents of abductions of political opponents, eventually tarnishing the nation’s international standing.
The recall of Sudan’s ambassador from Kenya reflects rising tensions due to Nairobi’s hosting of RSF-led meetings aimed at forming a rival government. The Sudanese regime accuses Kenya of undermining its sovereignty and facilitating a hostile movement. The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to escalate humanitarian crises, while reactions to Kenya’s actions highlight increasing regional unease over its strategic direction regarding foreign military influences.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
