Kenya’s foreign ministry reaffirms support for peace in Sudan amid accusations from Khartoum of violating sovereignty by hosting RSF meetings. Sudan calls it an “act of hostility” as the RSF plans a government announcement. Analysts caution Kenya risks international isolation due to its foreign policy decisions, while the ongoing conflict exacerbates humanitarian crises within Sudan.
Kenya’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to peace efforts in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that hosting a meeting of the Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF), constitutes a violation of its sovereignty. Sudan described the event as an “act of hostility” amid the RSF’s planned announcement regarding a parallel government. This meeting took place at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, where RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo led the delegation and planned to make crucial announcements.
The ministry emphasized Kenya’s role in hosting numerous Sudanese refugees and facilitating dialogue without ulterior motives. However, international relations expert Macharia Munene warned that Kenya could face isolation due to its perceived foreign policy misstep by engaging closely with the RSF, whose leader has significant ties to Kenya’s President William Ruto. This relationship might overshadow Kenya’s national interests.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the military and RSF has resulted in over 24,000 deaths, and 14 million people—or 30% of the population—have been displaced, according to UN estimates. Sudanese authorities reported widespread casualties due to RSF actions, including the deaths of civilians in recent clashes after the RSF faced defeats against the Sudanese army.
Peace activist Haydar Abdul Karim urged that regional powers avoid taking sides in the conflict. He advocated for diplomatic pressure on both factions to negotiate peace rather than supporting the establishment of a new government or alliances favoring one group over the other.
Kenya is committed to supporting peace in Sudan amidst accusations of hostility from Khartoum over the hosting of RSF, highlighting its humanitarian role and history of facilitating dialogue. However, experts caution that close ties with the RSF and potential diplomatic missteps could isolate Kenya internationally. The ongoing, deadly conflict in Sudan demands a neutral stance and prioritization of negotiations over partisanship in the peace process.
Original Source: apnews.com
