Nairobi, Kenya – February 19, 2025
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, the Sudanese government has issued a stern rebuke against Kenya for hosting members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. The RSF, a paramilitary group that has been involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, recently held an elaborate political event in Kenya’s capital, which Sudan has labeled as a direct violation of its sovereignty and an act of hostility against the Sudanese people.
According to reports from Kenyans.co.ke, the RSF’s deputy leader, Abdul Rahim Dagalo, was present at the Nairobi meeting, signaling a move towards forming a breakaway government in areas under RSF control in Sudan. This event, which took place on February 18, 2025, has been seen by Khartoum as a contravention of Kenya’s commitments not to allow any hostile activities against Sudan on its territory.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Kenya’s actions, stating that the Nairobi event amounted to a declaration of hostility against Sudan. Furthermore, Khartoum accused Kenyan authorities of encouraging the division of African countries, violating their sovereignty, and interfering in their internal affairs, which goes against the principles of the UN Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and international norms.
The backdrop of this incident includes reports of the RSF’s involvement in alleged atrocities in Sudan, with the United States recently accusing the group of committing genocide. Despite these accusations, the RSF has been attempting to position itself as a political entity, with the Nairobi event being a pivotal moment in this strategy.
Kenya’s decision to host such an event has placed it in a precarious diplomatic position, potentially straining relations with Sudan further. Historically, Kenya has played roles in regional conflicts, including supporting movements against the Sudanese government during the First Sudanese Civil War. This latest move could be seen as continuing that pattern, albeit in a new context involving internal Sudanese dynamics.
President William Ruto, who was recently in Addis Ababa for the AU Summit, might find himself navigating a complex diplomatic landscape as Sudan threatens retaliatory measures. The RSF’s choice of Nairobi as a launchpad for their political ambitions adds a layer of geopolitical tension, as it could draw Kenya into a direct confrontation with Sudan.
As this situation unfolds, international observers are watching closely, with implications for regional stability, the enforcement of international norms on sovereignty, and the ongoing conflict within Sudan. The Kenyan government has yet to respond to Sudan’s criticisms, leaving the diplomatic community in anticipation of Nairobi’s next move in this high-stakes scenario.
Sudan Condemns Kenya for Hosting RSF, Cites Sovereignty Violation
