Sudan Warns Kenya of Consequences Over RSF Meeting.
President William Ruto may have overstepped his diplomatic boundaries by welcoming Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to Nairobi, defying Sudanese government objections.
The fallout has been severe, with Sudan’s leadership expressing outrage. The Vice Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, issued a stern warning to Ruto, emphasizing consequences for interfering in Sudanese affairs.
Agar took to Twitter, using a Swahili proverb to caution Ruto, stating that those who disregard wisdom will suffer the consequences.
He later elaborated, accusing Ruto of violating African Union (AU) principles and attempting to set up an alternative power structure in Sudan from Kenya. His statement resonated deeply within diplomatic circles, raising concerns about Kenya’s growing interference.
Agar highlighted a series of actions by Ruto that he considered inappropriate. In June 2023, Ruto allegedly tried to impose a peace framework without Sudan’s approval.
In September 2024, he reportedly included Sudanese issues in an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting on Somalia and even proposed that the sanctioned RSF leader represent Sudan.
Agar stressed that this move blatantly violated UN and AU protocols, which prohibit non-state actors from taking official government positions. By February 2025, Kenya had hosted RSF officials in Nairobi, further intensifying accusations of foreign interference.
Sudan’s Position: Sovereignty at Risk
Agar contended that instead of facilitating peace, Kenya was destabilizing Sudan’s sovereignty. He urged Kenya to focus on its domestic challenges before interfering in Sudanese affairs.
He warned that Ruto’s government was escalating tensions and worsening the crisis, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and stable region. He questioned how Kenya could mediate Sudan’s conflict without experiencing the level of violence unfolding there.
He closed his statement by declaring that Kenya would not meddle in Sudanese affairs without facing repercussions.
Despite Sudan’s objections, Kenya remained firm in its stance. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended Kenya’s actions, portraying them as a neutral effort to facilitate dialogue.
He stated that Kenya had historically provided a platform for warring factions to seek peaceful resolutions. He dismissed Sudan’s accusations, arguing that Kenya was merely acting as a mediator rather than interfering in Sudanese affairs.
Internal Concerns in Kenya
Within Kenya’s government, not everyone supports Ruto’s approach. Some officials fear significant diplomatic consequences, particularly given Sudan’s growing hostility.
There are whispers that Sudan might take retaliatory measures. The controversy echoes past regional disputes, where Kenya’s involvement in hosting armed groups has led to strained diplomatic relations.
The debate in Kenya’s Parliament reflects broader concerns about the East African region’s stability. Some lawmakers argued that Kenya’s role in mediating conflicts, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raises suspicion among neighboring nations.
The mere presence of groups like M23 in Nairobi fuels speculation and distrust.
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Parliamentarians debated whether Kenya had indeed hosted M23 leaders and whether such actions risked worsening regional instability. The government, however, maintained that its engagement was part of a broader peace strategy.
The tensions between Kenya and Sudan underscore the fragile nature of regional diplomacy. While Kenya insists on its role as a mediator, Sudan views these actions as blatant interference.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the risk of further fallout remains high, with Sudan warning Kenya of potential consequences if it continues on its current path.
Sudan Warns Kenya of Severe Consequences Over RSF Meeting.
