A diplomatic row is brewing between Kenya and Sudan after Khartoum accused Nairobi of violating its sovereignty by allegedly supporting the formation of a rival government by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group currently at war with the Sudanese army.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, July 28, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the RSF’s declaration of a parallel government and criticized Kenya for reportedly facilitating meetings that led to the announcement.
The Sudanese government described the RSF as a “terrorist militia” and called the move illegal and dangerous.
According to Sudanese authorities, the RSF held a high-level meeting on February 18 in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of its plan to unite various political and armed groups into a new coalition. The aim of this coalition, Sudan says, is to enhance RSF’s control over territories under its command and to push for a new political system in the country.
The meeting was reportedly attended by Abdulrahim Hamdan, the RSF’s deputy leader and brother to the militia’s commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemeti.
Shortly after the Nairobi meeting, the RSF signed a political charter during a ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), outlining its vision for Sudan’s future governance.
The charter called for Sudan to transition into a secular, democratic, and decentralized state. It also advocated for the creation of a unified national army, even as it defended the continued existence of various armed groups. Sudan’s foreign ministry said this development, hosted in Nairobi, was not only illegitimate but also deeply troubling.
“The Sudanese Government expresses deep concern and strongly denounces Kenya’s approval and facilitation of the RSF’s preparatory meetings in Nairobi, which resulted in the declaration of an illegitimate government,” read part of the statement.
Sudan accused Kenya of blatantly disregarding the country’s sovereignty and violating the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of independent states.
The ministry said such actions go against the foundational principles of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), all of which support Sudan’s territorial integrity and the legitimacy of its central government.
Khartoum also hinted at possible diplomatic consequences, warning that it may cut ties with any country that endorses or supports the RSF’s rival administration.
It urged the international community, including neighboring nations, regional blocs, and global institutions, to reject and condemn the RSF’s actions.
“The Government emphasizes that any recognition or interaction with this declaration will be seen as a direct attack on the legitimate Government of Sudan and a blatant attempt to undermine the rights and resources of the Sudanese people,” the ministry stressed.
Despite the sharp accusations, Kenya has consistently denied any involvement in Sudan’s internal conflict. In the past, the Kenyan government has offered to mediate peace efforts and has maintained a neutral stance, calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the conflict that has torn Sudan apart since mid-2023.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
