The government has issued a statement on the ongoing Sudan crisis after Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Kenya of siding with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On Tuesday, February 18, the RSF held an event in Nairobi as a head start towards forming an alliance consisting of political players and armed groups to strengthen the RSF’s dominance in Sudan.
The meeting led to criticism from the Sudanese government, which claimed the event contradicted Kenya’s commitment to ending violence in Sudan.
However, the government, through the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, issued a rejoinder on Wednesday evening, refuting claims that it had taken sides in the 22-month conflict between the Sudanese government and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Military officers belonging to the Rapid Support Forces during a past meeting.
Photo
Rapid Support Forces
“The crisis in Sudan demands regional and global attention,” the statement said. “With its credentials as an enabler of peace in the region and across the globe, Kenya remains at the forefront of seeking solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.”
The government further highlighted its history of hosting refugees, including those from South Sudan, stating that this was “in line with our international obligations enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
“Kenya therefore, reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue,” the statement went on. Kenya is confident that the Sudanese people will find a quick solution to the current situation, and in a manner that safeguards its security and that of the region,” the statement added.
Additionally, the government noted that it was not uncommon for Sudan to leverage good offices from neighbouring countries, adding that the RSF’s proposal of leadership in Nairobi aligned with Kenya’s role in peace negotiations.
On Wednesday, the Special Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Izzadin Al Safi, also clarified the visit to Kenya, dismissing claims of forming a government.
“We are in Kenya not to establish a government, nor are we here to govern from outside Sudan. When the time comes to form a government, we will return to Sudan, where the people will decide their future,” he said.
Al Safi echoed the Kenyan government’s sentiments that the Nairobi visit was simply because Kenya’s capital serves as a neutral ground for facilitation and dialogue and is an ideal place to address the root causes of the Sudan crisis, which has displaced an estimated 11 million people.
The RSF meeting in Kenya’s capital was reportedly postponed on Tuesday but is expected to be held for the next two days after which the Charter for Government of Peace and Unity deal will be signed.
Hostilities in Sudan escalated in April 2023 when a power struggle emerged between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has since been characterised by brutal violence, leading to massive destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure. A health crisis has also emerged, with over 70 per cent of medical facilities destroyed due to the war.
President William Ruto addresses a congregation during the South Sudan peace talks in Nairobi.
PCS