Following accusations from Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Kenya was supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the government released a statement regarding the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The RSF organized a gathering in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 18, as a first step in assembling a coalition of armed organizations and political figures to bolster the RSF’s power in Sudan.
The Sudanese government criticized the conference, saying it went against Kenya’s pledge to put an end to bloodshed in Sudan.
However, the government denied allegations that it had taken sides in the 22-month struggle between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese government in a reply released Wednesday evening through the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
“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,” the government added, highlighting its history of welcoming refugees, including those from South Sudan.
“Kenya therefore, reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue,” the statement continued. Kenya has faith that the Sudanese people will resolve the current issue quickly and in a way that protects both its and the region’s security,” the statement continued.
The government further stated that the RSF’s suggestion for leadership in Nairobi was in line with Kenya’s involvement in peace talks and that Sudan frequently used good offices from neighboring nations.
Izzadin Al Safi, the Special Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, also provided clarification on the trip to Kenya on Wednesday, refuting reports that a government was being formed.
“We are not in Kenya to form a government or to rule from outside of Sudan. We’ll go back to Sudan when it’s time to establish a government so that the people can make their own decisions,” he declared.
Al Safi supported the Kenyan government’s views, saying that the visit to Nairobi was made only because the country’s capital is a neutral venue for dialogue and facilitation and is ideally situated to address the underlying issues of the Sudan conflict, which has resulted in the displacement of an estimated 11 million people.
According to reports, the RSF conference in the capital of Kenya was postponed Tuesday. It is anticipated that the deal on the Charter for Government of Peace and Unity would be signed within the next two days.
When a power struggle broke out between General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), in April 2023, tensions in Sudan increased.
Since then, the conflict has been marked by ruthless brutality, resulting in the immense devastation of Sudan’s infrastructure and the emergence of a health crisis due to the war’s destruction of over 70% of medical facilities.
