The diplomatic tiff between Kenya and Sudan has escalated once again following Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry criticism of Nairobi’s involvement in an international conference on the war-torn nation.
On Monday, April 14, Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssif held a virtual press conference with British media outlets in which he renewed sharp criticism of the international conference convening in London on Tuesday April 15.
The London conference features participation from the European Union (EU), Germany, France and invited countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya.
Minister Youssif expressed his government’s resentment at not being invited, despite assurances by the United Kingdom that the meeting would focus on humanitarian issues.
He specifically criticized the invitation of the UAE, Chad and Kenya, countries he described as “linked to supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group”.
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Sudan Blasts London Conference, Ropes in Kenya
Responding to journalists, the minister accused the UAE of being the RSF’s “main supporter”, Kenya of hosting conferences to undermine Sudan’s unity, and Chad of opening its territory for logistical support.
At the same time, Youssif stated that Sudan’s position had been conveyed in a formal letter to the British Foreign Secretary, and confirmed that friendly nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar would express his country’s viewpoint at the conference.
He also noted that the previous British government had blocked discussion of a Sudanese complaint against the UAE at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 13 million people, some fleeing into neighboring countries and causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, according to the UN and the African Union (AU).
Accusations against RSF
Minister Youssif also provided a comprehensive briefing on the situation in Sudan, accusing RSF of continued aggression “backed by blatant external support”.
The minister pointed to recent attacks the government blames on the paramilitary group targeting the Abu Shouk and Zamzam displaced persons’ camps near El Fasher, calling them “an attempt to use civilians as human shields to seize the city”.
In addition, the Sudanese top diplomat claimed the attacks coincided with the London conference and were part of a plan to divide Sudan.
According to him, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control most of the country, except for parts of Darfur and Kordofan states and limited pockets in south Omdurman.
The minister reiterated Sudan’s readiness for a ceasefire, conditional on the RSF withdrawing from occupied areas, halting its operations, and surrendering heavy weapons.
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He added that SAF operations to protect civilians were ongoing noting that a roadmap detailing arrangements for a ceasefire had been submitted to the UN.
On humanitarian aid, Youssif affirmed the government’s openness to cooperation and facilitating access through all available corridors and denied any violations by the SAF, calling it a national and professional army.
He claimed Sudan possessed “documented and conclusive evidence” of systematic RSF crimes against humanity, accusing the group of “using drones operated by external parties to target vital services after being pushed out of Khartoum.”
Kenya clarifies working with rebels to overthrow Sudan’s Govt
The Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ criticism of Kenya’s invitation to the London conference comes after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi denied allegations that the Kenyan government collaborated with RSF in an attempt to overthrow the Sudanese government.
Mudavadi while speaking in Antalya, Turkiye at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum said that at no time did Kenya facilitate the formation of a parallel government or a government in exile for the people of Sudan.
“At no time has Kenya said that it will be supporting a divided Sudan. We have hosted both sides at one time or the other and what happened in Nairobi was a conversation by a section of the Sudanese civil society and civilian population including political parties that are aligned to the RSF and they had their own conversation, came up with their charter and if you look at the charter there is nowhere a parallel government is formed,” said Mudavadi.
The Prime CS further said that Kenya is helping to facilitate dialogue in Sudan to enable the Sudanese people to form their government through their own mechanisms and institutional order.
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