Written by Lisa Murimi
A simmering diplomatic crisis has erupted between Kenya and Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that Nairobi violated Sudanese sovereignty by allegedly facilitating activities of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it called “Kenya’s approval and facilitation” of RSF-led meetings in Nairobi, culminating in the RSF’s controversial announcement of a parallel government to administer rebel-held regions.
Khartoum described the RSF as a “terrorist militia” and decried the recent gathering at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where RSF representatives—among them the sanctioned deputy commander Abdulrahim Hamdan—signed a charter declaring Sudan a secular, democratic, and non-centralised state.
The document also preserved the right of armed groups to continue operating, further inflaming tensions with Sudan’s military-led government.
Sudan warned that any engagement with this “illegitimate government” would be treated as a hostile act and called upon regional and international partners—including the United Nations, African Union, and IGAD—to reject the RSF’s declaration and reaffirm support for Sudan’s unity.
“The Government of Sudan expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the approval and facilitation by the Republic of Kenya of preparatory meetings held by the rebel militia in Nairobi to announce its illegitimate government,” the Ministry noted.
“This constitutes a blatant violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and a breach of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.”
“The Government further emphasizes that any form of interaction with this declaration will be considered a direct assault on the legitimate Government of Sudan and its sovereignty over all of its territory, as well as a flagrant violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people,” Sudan’s statement read, cautioning of potential consequences for states perceived to support the RSF agenda.
Kenya, for its part, has maintained a neutral stance throughout Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict.
President William Ruto has consistently advocated for dialogue and peace in the region, even hosting RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in January 2023 as part of broader mediation efforts.
Despite mounting scrutiny, Nairobi has yet to issue an official response to Sudan’s claims. The incident threatens to strain Kenya’s regional diplomatic posture and its longstanding role as a facilitator in Horn of Africa peace processes.
