Kenya announced its willingness to mediate peace efforts in Sudan on Wednesday, following accusations from Khartoum that Nairobi had violated Sudanese sovereignty by hosting a meeting for Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF).

Sudan condemned Kenya’s decision to host the RSF meeting on Tuesday, calling it an “act of hostility”—especially since the meeting occurred just before the RSF was set to announce the formation of a parallel government.

The meeting was led by Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, RSF’s Deputy Commander, at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi. He hinted at a major announcement scheduled for Friday, which has heightened political tensions.

Kenya’s Defense and Regional Implications

In response, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the country’s neutral stance, highlighting its role in hosting thousands of Sudanese refugees and reaffirming its commitment to facilitating dialogue “without any ulterior motives.”

However, Kisemei Mutisya, a lecturer at Riara International University, warned that Kenya could face international isolation if perceived as supporting a rebel faction against the “legitimate” regime in Khartoum.

“Any effort to undermine or interfere with Sudan’s internal affairs in an undiplomatic manner, as Kenya appears to be doing, could provide Sudan with grounds to bring the case before the International Court of Justice,” Mutisya explained.

Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese military and the RSF has had devastating humanitarian consequences. According to the United Nations, the violence has resulted in:

• Over 24,000 fatalities
• More than 14 million people displaced—about 30% of Sudan’s population
• 3.2 million Sudanese refugees fleeing to neighboring countries

On Tuesday, Sudanese officials reported that recent RSF attacks had killed over 400 civilians, including infants, following a significant defeat suffered by the RSF at the hands of the Sudanese army.

Call for Neutrality and Concerns of Political Legitimacy

Haydar Abdul Karim, a Sudanese peace activist and journalist currently living in Kenya, urged regional governments to remain neutral in the Sudanese conflict.

He expressed concern over politicians legitimizing the RSF’s efforts to establish a new government, warning that this could deepen divisions within Sudan and exacerbate the ongoing crisis.

The Sudan-Kenya diplomatic tension underscores the complex regional dynamics at play and the urgent need for effective mediation to stabilize Sudan and address the growing humanitarian crisis.

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