Sudan Punishes Kenya for Hosting RSF Rebel Group
The Sudanese government has taken strict action against Kenya by suspending all imports from the country.
This comes after Kenya decided to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group that is currently in conflict with the Sudanese army over control of Sudan.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Sudan announced an immediate ban on all imports from Kenya, preventing goods from entering through ports, railways, and airports.
“The importation of all products from Kenya via all ports, border crossings, airports, and other entry points is hereby suspended from this date until further notice,” stated Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali.
The Sudanese government justified the decision by accusing Kenya of supporting and sheltering the rebel group in Nairobi.
The minister explained that the move was necessary to safeguard Sudan’s national interests and security. He emphasized that the ban would remain in effect indefinitely, with authorities directed to implement it immediately.
Despite the trade restrictions taking effect on Thursday, President William Ruto’s administration has not yet issued an official response. Kenya exports various goods to Sudan, including agricultural products such as tea, foodstuffs, and pharmaceutical supplies.
The diplomatic fallout stems from a recent political agreement signed in Nairobi. On February 22, the RSF, along with other rebel groups, gathered in Kenya’s capital to sign a political charter aimed at establishing a parallel administration to the existing Sudanese government.
Following this development, Sudan’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussein Al Fadil, had warned about potential economic repercussions.
Speaking at a press conference on February 24, he stated that Sudan would lodge a formal complaint with the African Union and other international bodies, urging them to take strict measures against Kenya.
“This is a direct interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. Kenya is openly hosting events that support the RSF militia and its allies, whose actions threaten Sudan’s security, stability, and unity,” said Al Fadil.
He further warned that the Sudanese government would continue to escalate economic measures if necessary, including the imposition of additional sanctions beyond the import ban.
Al Fadil also criticized President Ruto’s actions, stating that they went against international agreements and principles upheld by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
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