Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Kenya after Nairobi hosted meetings to form a rival government backed by the RSF. Despite criticism, Kenya’s involvement is framed as part of peace negotiations, yet concerns grow regarding its implications for regional stability amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Sudan’s military-led government has officially recalled its ambassador from Kenya, highlighting tensions after Nairobi hosted meetings intended to establish a rival government backed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This announcement was made by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA) on Thursday.
The diplomatic dispute emerged following the formation of the Founding Alliance for Sudan in Kenya, which focuses on creating a coalition led by General Hemedti’s RSF. Despite Hemedti facing U.S. sanctions for alleged genocide in Darfur, the Kenyan meetings proceeded, prompting criticism from various political and civil society members in Kenya.
Kenyan President William Ruto faced backlash for allowing the RSF-backed meetings, with former vice president Rigathi Gachagua and activist Willis Evans Otieno expressing concerns over Kenya being perceived as a safe haven for foreign insurgents and warlords. Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned Kenya’s actions as hostile, asserting they violate Sudanese sovereignty.
The RSF, engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, aims to consolidate control over territories in western Sudan, including Darfur. The proposed charter, intended to establish a peace government, was delayed but underscores the fragmentation of Sudan as the conflict has already resulted in massive humanitarian crises with millions displaced.
Amid these developments, the Arab League echoed Sudan’s sentiments, denouncing actions that could further destabilize the country. Meanwhile, the Kenyan foreign ministry defended hosting the RSF meetings as part of its peace negotiations role, amid allegations of the Kenyan president prioritizing commercial gains with the RSF’s sponsors, particularly the UAE, which has denied allegations of arms support.
Concerns have risen regarding Kenya’s role in the abduction of foreign political figures, suggesting a troubling trend that may jeopardize Kenya’s international standing. Human Rights Watch’s Otsieno Namwaya articulated worries that Kenya’s government might not respect international law, further complicating the country’s relations on a global scale.
The diplomatic rift between Sudan and Kenya continues to heighten following the latter’s decision to host meetings involving the RSF, aimed at establishing a rival Sudanese government. Sudan’s recall of its ambassador is a direct response to perceived violations of its sovereignty, echoing growing international concerns over the consequences of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Kenyan government’s actions and their implications for regional stability remain under scrutiny, particularly given the quagmire of humanitarian crises exacerbated by this conflict.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
