The government has issued a statement regarding the ongoing Sudan crisis, following Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accusing Kenya of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On Tuesday, February 18, the RSF hosted a ceremony in Nairobi to kick off the formation of an alliance of political leaders and armed groups aimed at strengthening the RSF’s influence in Sudan.
The Sudanese government criticised the conference, claiming it contradicted Kenya’s commitment to eliminating conflict in Sudan.
The government, through the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, responded on Wednesday evening.
Mudavadi denied taking sides in the 22-month battle between Sudan’s government and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“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 administration emphasized its history of welcoming refugees, especially those from South Sudan.They wrote 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.
Furthermore, the government stated that it was not uncommon for Sudan to seek good offices from neighboring nations and that the RSF’s suggestion for leadership in Nairobi was consistent with Kenya’s participation in peace talks.
On Wednesday, Izzadin Al Safi, Special Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, addressed the travel to Kenya, refuting reports 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 mirrored the Kenyan government’s comments, stating that the travel to Nairobi was made solely for the sake of facilitation and dialogue.
He also stated that it is a perfect location to address the core causes of the Sudan issue, which has displaced an estimated 11 million people.
The RSF conference in Kenya’s capital was allegedly postponed on Tuesday, but it is likely to take place over the next two days, following which the Charter for Government of Peace and Unity agreement would be signed.
Hostilities in Sudan erupted in April 2023, when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), clashed with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The battle has since been marked by severe bloodshed, resulting in widespread destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure.
A health catastrophe has also occurred, with more than 70% of medical facilities damaged as a result of the war.
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