Kenya’s foreign ministry has reasserted its unwavering commitment to fostering peace in Sudan’s tumultuous landscape, following Khartoum’s grave accusations that Nairobi had taken a hostile stance. The controversy erupted after Kenya hosted a significant meeting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan.

This pivotal gathering occurred on February 18, 2025, within the expansive halls of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, led by RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. During the assembly, Dagalo hinted at a forthcoming announcement set for Friday, further heightening anxieties regarding the RSF’s possible intentions to establish a parallel government. Such a move could exacerbate Sudan’s already precarious political climate, where tensions run high.

In the wake of these events, Sudan’s foreign ministry issued a vehement condemnation of Kenya’s actions, characterizing hosting the RSF meeting as “tantamount to an act of hostility” and a flagrant violation of Sudan’s sovereignty. The ministry cautioned that Kenya’s conduct could dramatically undermine efforts to foster regional stability and complicate ongoing initiatives to resolve Sudan’s protracted and harrowing conflict.

In response, Kenya’s foreign ministry defended its decision by underscoring its long-standing tradition of providing a neutral space for dialogue, free from any ulterior motives. They pointed to Kenya’s historic role as a haven for Sudanese refugees and a facilitator of various regional peace initiatives. Professor Macharia Munene, a distinguished scholar in international relations at the United States International University-Africa, voiced concerns that Kenya’s foreign policy might be perceived as overly influenced by personal relationships, particularly those involving Pre3sident William Ruto and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The dire conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the RSF, has led to a staggering death toll surpassing 24,000. Additionally, more than 14 million individuals-approximately 30% of the Sudanese population—have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

Haydar Abdul Karim, a prominent peace activist in Kenya, emphasized the critical need for regional governments to uphold an unwavering commitment to neutrality. He urged them to pressure all parties, compelling them to engage in meaningful and constructive negotiations instead of favoring any specific faction.

This complex diplomatic impasse underscores the intricate challenges that regional actors encounter as they navigate the multifaceted crisis in Sudan. They seek to mediate peace while delicately balancing the imperative of respecting national sovereignty and safeguarding the region’s fragile stability.

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