Kenya’s foreign ministry has committed to peace efforts in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that it hosted a meeting of the RSF, which Sudan labeled hostile. The conflict in Sudan has led to significant casualties and displacement, and calls for neutral mediation are increasing amid rising tensions.
Kenya’s foreign ministry announced its readiness to assist in peace efforts in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that Kenya violated its sovereignty by hosting a meeting of Sudan’s paramilitary, the Rapid Support Force (RSF). Sudan condemned the meeting held in Nairobi, asserting it represented an act of hostility, particularly as it was linked to the RSF’s planned announcement of a parallel government.
The RSF, led by Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, convened at the Kenyatta International Conference Center for discussions before a significant announcement expected on Friday. The Kenyan government emphasized its history of facilitating dialogue and hosting numerous Sudanese refugees, stating it harbors no hidden agenda.
However, Macharia Munene, an international relations professor, warned that Kenya may face international isolation due to this misstep in foreign policy, describing it as a situation driven solely by presidential influence. He criticized President William Ruto’s close relationship with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, which he believes undermines Kenya’s national interests.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to over 24,000 fatalities and displaced more than 14 million people, approximately 30% of the country’s population, according to United Nations statistics. About 3.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring nations amidst the violence.
Recent RSF attacks reportedly claimed the lives of over 400 civilians, including infants, as the group faced defeats against the Sudanese army. Haydar Abdul Karim, a Sudanese peace activist in Kenya, highlighted the need for neutrality from regional governments and urged them to push for negotiations between warring factions rather than supporting one side over the other.
Kenya seeks to maintain its supportive role in Sudan’s peace efforts despite accusations from Khartoum of sovereign violations. The complexities of the conflict and the implications of Kenya’s foreign policy decisions, particularly its ties to the RSF, potentially threaten its international standing. Experts call for a balanced approach to foster dialogue among factions without taking sides.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
