Diplomatic Rift Brews as Kenya Hosts RSF-Aligned Political Event

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenya finds itself at the center of yet another regional diplomatic storm after hosting a meeting in Nairobi for Sudan’s sanctioned militia, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to lay the groundwork for a parallel government in Khartoum.

The RSF, a key player in Sudan’s protracted conflict and widely accused of genocide, convened at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The gathering, branded as a move towards forming a “Government of Peace and Unity,” has triggered a sharp backlash from Sudan’s leadership.

Sudan’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned Kenya’s decision to host the RSF-aligned event, accusing Nairobi of reneging on its diplomatic commitments. In a strongly worded statement, Sudan called the move an act of hostility against the Sudanese people and a violation of international law.

“This event directly contradicts Kenya’s highest-level assurances that it would not allow hostile activities against Sudan within its borders,” the ministry declared, further accusing Kenya of abetting the fragmentation of African nations and violating the UN Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and other international agreements.

The Nairobi meeting marked a significant step towards a new political coalition, bringing together political factions and armed groups backing the RSF. Within three days, organizers plan to sign a political charter, followed by constitutional arrangements and the formalization of a government in RSF-controlled territories.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif revealed that as recently as January 26, Kenyan President William Ruto had assured Sudan of non-recognition for any government the RSF sought to establish. The ministry lamented that Nairobi’s latest actions contradict those assurances and violate Kenya’s obligations under international law, including the Genocide Convention.

“By providing RSF leaders a platform to engage in political and propaganda activities while they commit ethnic-based atrocities, Kenya is not only legitimizing these crimes but also becoming complicit,” the statement warned.

Despite the diplomatic uproar, Sudan’s government remains resolute, asserting that the event in Nairobi will have no bearing on the battlefield. It emphasized that the Sudanese army, along with joint forces from armed movements, remains steadfast in reclaiming every inch of territory under RSF control.

With tensions mounting, Kenya now faces increased scrutiny over its role in Sudan’s conflict, risking its standing as a mediator in the fragile region.