On February 18, 2025, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to peace amid accusations from Sudan over hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan denounced Kenya’s action, claiming it violated sovereignty. While Kenya emphasized its history of facilitating dialogue, concerns about potential diplomatic fallout emerged as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan worsens, urging impartial mediation for peace.
On February 18, 2025, Kenya’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that Kenya had acted hostily by hosting a meeting for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. Sudan’s government criticized Kenya for this action, claiming it breached their sovereignty, especially in light of the RSF’s impending announcement of a separate government.
The Sudanese delegation, led by RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, gathered at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi. This meeting drew rebuke from Sudan, which expressed concerns over the perceived act of hostility.
In response, Kenya emphasized its history of facilitating dialogue and hosting Sudanese refugees. It noted that it does so without ulterior motives, yet analysts point to potential diplomatic repercussions. Professor Macharia Munene warned that Kenya may face international isolation due to its recent foreign policy decisions, criticized as overly reliant on personal relationships.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 24,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 14 million individuals, according to the United Nations. The humanitarian crisis prompted concerns about RSF attacks leading to civilian casualties, intensifying the call for a neutral regional approach to support peace efforts.
Haydar Abdul Karim, a Sudanese peace advocate residing in Kenya, urged regional governments to remain impartial. He emphasized the importance of encouraging negotiations between the conflicting parties rather than supporting the establishment of new alliances or governments, advocating for inclusivity in resolving the conflict.
In summary, Kenya remains committed to peace initiatives as tensions with Sudan escalate. The backlash over its hosting of the RSF signals potential isolation for Kenya in diplomatic circles. As the conflict continues to displace millions, a call for impartial mediation emerges, highlighting the necessity for dialogue among involved parties to foster sustainable peace in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
