Kenya’s foreign ministry has affirmed its commitment to supporting peace initiatives in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum that it violated sovereignty by hosting a meeting of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Nairobi. Sudan condemned this act as hostile, coinciding with upcoming plans for an RSF government announcement. Experts express concern about potential international isolation for Kenya, attributing it to close ties with RSF leadership during a time of escalating conflict in Sudan.
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to peace in the aftermath of Sudan’s accusations of territorial violation. The foreign ministry of Kenya announced its readiness to support peace initiatives in Sudan, particularly after Khartoum condemned Kenya for hosting a meeting of the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Nairobi.
Sudan labeled the meeting an act of hostility, especially since it was held just before the RSF’s expected announcement of a rival government. The RSF, under Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, convened at the Kenyatta International Conference Center, indicating an important declaration would be made soon.
Kenya’s foreign ministry emphasized its long history of hosting Sudanese refugees and facilitating dialogue without ulterior motives. However, Macharia Munene, an international relations professor, cautioned that this situation might lead to international isolation for Kenya, criticizing the country’s foreign policy as overly reliant on close ties with figures like RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Despite Dagalo’s absence from the recent discussions, he maintains a solid friendship with Kenyan President William Ruto. Ongoing strife in Sudan has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 24,000 fatalities and approximately 14 million people forced from their homes, as reported by the United Nations.
Haydar Abdul Karim, a Sudanese peace activist residing in Kenya, stressed the importance of impartiality among regional governments. He advocates for diplomatic efforts that encourage negotiations between conflicting factions rather than supporting any particular side in the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Kenya has expressed its dedication to fostering peace efforts in Sudan despite recent accusations of territorial infringement by Sudanese authorities. The foreign ministry’s stance highlights a commitment to dialogue, even as external observers warn of potential diplomatic consequences stemming from its interactions with factions like the RSF. Continuous conflict in Sudan poses a humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgency for regional cooperation and impartiality.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
