Kenya has downplayed Sudan’s suspension of imports following its hosting of the RSF, which Sudan described as a threat to national interests. Kenyan officials regard the ban as an overreaction, emphasizing the country’s commitment to dialogue and observing significant declines in trade with Sudan due to the conflict.
The Kenyan government has reacted to Sudan’s decree suspending all imports from Kenya, asserting that it is a gross overreaction. This suspension, announced by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply, is in response to Kenya’s hosting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last month, which some Sudanese officials viewed as a threat to national security. Despite the decree, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the ongoing conflict in Sudan and downplayed the impact of the import ban, citing a drastic decline in Kenyan exports to Sudan due to the war.
Sing’oei indicated that the conflict, which began in April 2023, has already led to a reduction of nearly 90% in Kenyan exports to Sudan. He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to advocating for peace rather than prioritizing its economic interests in a conflict-ridden Sudan. The RSF and Sudanese government have been engaged in a violent struggle for power since the conflict erupted, with severe humanitarian consequences.
Kenya’s role in hosting the RSF has raised questions regarding its foreign policy, particularly as the conflict escalates. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Kenya’s actions, asserting that hosting such groups infringes on its sovereignty and endorses their alleged atrocities. The African Union has also expressed concern over the regional implications of this situation, warning that these developments could exacerbate the instability in Sudan.
In summary, Kenya has dismissed Sudan’s indefinite ban on imports as a gross overreaction driven by security concerns linked to the host of RSF. The ongoing conflict has severely limited Kenya’s exports to Sudan, rendering the suspension largely ineffective. This situation raises critical questions about Kenya’s foreign policy stance and the regional implications of its actions regarding the RSF amidst a volatile environment in Sudan.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
