Rising Tensions: Kenya and Sudan clash over hosting of Rapid Support Forces

Tensions between Kenya’s President William Ruto and Sudan’s government, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, continue to escalate. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong rebuke on Friday against Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s defense of Kenya’s decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi, which seeks to establish a parallel government in Sudan.

In its response, the Sudanese government found no justification for Kenya’s actions and criticized President Ruto’s embrace of the RSF. They referenced the Machakos Protocol of 2002, an agreement pivotal in ending Sudan’s second civil war, underscoring the importance of respecting Sudan’s sovereignty.

Mudavadi had emphasized that this is not the first instance of Sudanese factions seeking resolution through Kenya’s mediation. He recalled a January 2024 meeting among conflict stakeholders in a neighboring country aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue and a return to civilian governance. The Cabinet Secretary asserted that the RSF’s cooperation with Sudanese civilian groups in Nairobi aligns with Kenya’s role in facilitating peace talks.

He also highlighted the importance of balancing security measures with the goal of reinstating civilian rule in Sudan, essential for achieving democracy and prosperity for the Sudanese people.

This response follows Sudan’s condemnation of Kenya for hosting the RSF, deeming it a violation of international obligations. The RSF conducted talks in Nairobi earlier this week focusing on creating a parallel government in territories under its control, further complicating the already strained relations between the two nations.