US Senator Accuses Kenya of Supporting Sudan’s RSF Amid Growing Controversy
The Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, has accused Kenya of enabling genocide in Sudan, escalating tensions over Nairobi’s decision to allow the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to operate from Kenya.
The RSF, a paramilitary group engaged in a brutal civil war against Sudan’s national army, is fighting for control of the resource-rich country. In a statement on X, Senator Risch criticized President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of legitimizing the RSF.
“Last year, I led efforts in Congress to recognize RSF-led atrocities in Sudan, which have caused over 150,000 deaths, as genocide. In January, this became official US policy,” Risch stated.
He further added, “Now, Kenya, a key US ally, is helping the RSF establish legitimacy for their genocidal rule in Sudan, all under the pretense of peacemaking. This is a blatant attempt to distort the truth and will not stop the ongoing massacres.”
Human Rights Groups Demand Action
Following these accusations, 13 human rights organizations, led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), have demanded that the Kenyan government declare all RSF members currently in the country as persona non grata—essentially banning them from operating in Kenya.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, February 21, the civil rights groups condemned the Kenyan government for appearing to support the RSF. They called for an immediate withdrawal of the statement issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, which had confirmed Kenya’s support for the RSF. Additionally, they demanded an official apology to the people of Sudan.
The human rights groups also urged President Ruto’s administration to completely withdraw from Sudan’s peace negotiations, arguing that Kenya cannot be a neutral mediator in the conflict.
“Kenya must immediately stop participating in any peace talks or mediation efforts regarding Sudan’s conflict because it is not acting as an impartial party,” the statement read.
Kenya Caught in a Diplomatic Storm
The controversy erupted earlier in the week when reports surfaced that Kenya had allowed the RSF to establish a parallel government within its borders. The RSF leadership has been holding meetings in Nairobi to form what they call a “Government of Peace and Unity,” which they plan to govern RSF-controlled areas amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The group’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, is expected to announce the formation of this government on Friday after several delays. Originally, the declaration was scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed.
Sudan’s military-led government has strongly opposed Kenya’s involvement. In retaliation, Khartoum accused Nairobi of violating Sudan’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Kenya. Sudanese authorities described Kenya’s actions as “hostile,” arguing that hosting the RSF threatens Sudan’s territorial integrity.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts to mend relations between Kenya and Sudan, tensions have remained high, particularly due to President Ruto’s perceived close ties with Hemedti.
Kenya Defends Its Position
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has defended the government’s role, dismissing accusations of bias. He insisted that Kenya remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
“Kenya stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan as they work towards determining their own future and governance through inclusive dialogue,” Mudavadi stated.
However, this is the same statement that human rights groups are demanding be revoked.
List of Human Rights Organizations Calling for Action
The organizations calling for Kenya to cut ties with the RSF and apologize to Sudan include:
- Africans for the Horn of Africa (Af4HA) Initiative
- Atrocities Watch Africa (AWA)
- Betty Kaare Murungi
- Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF)
- Gest Center for Development (GESR)
- Grace Agenda
- Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)
- Kenyans For Peace with Truth and Justice
- Kisumu CSO Network
- National Victims and Survivors Network
- Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
- The Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG)
- The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya (ICJ-Kenya)
The growing diplomatic crisis highlights Kenya’s complicated role in regional peace efforts and raises concerns about its impartiality in the Sudan conflict. With global scrutiny increasing, the Kenyan government faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance and distance itself from the RSF.
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