The Sudanese government has threatened escalatory measures against Kenya over allegations of interfering with its internal affairs after it hosted the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group currently battling the Sudanese army for control of the country.
Addressing journalists on Monday, February 24, Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Hussein Al Fadil, said the country was considering imposing severe regulations, including banning Kenyan imports from accessing the Sudanese market.
Al Fadil stated that Sudan would also be submitting a formal complaint to the African Union (AU) and other top international organisations to compel them to take stern action against President William Ruto’s administration.
“This is due to its interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and hosting events for the terrorist RSF militia and its allies, which target Sudan’s security, stability, and unity,” Al Fadil said.
“The measures will be progressive and incremental, and the Sudanese government is also considering economic actions, including a ban on Kenyan imports,” he added.
According to the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kenya, represented by President Ruto, has consistently interfered in Sudan’s affairs and supported the rebel group since conflict broke out in the East African nation.
The Sudanese Deputy Minister went on to accuse Ruto of having personal interests and ties with RSF Commander Mohammed Hamdan, describing Kenya’s actions as hostile.
Al Fadil also noted that President Ruto’s actions contradicted international charters and agreements, including those of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“Kenya’s claim of seeking a solution to Sudan’s crisis and its commitment to stability is a lie. How can Kenya host the very militias fuelling the war while pretending to advocate for peace?” Al Fadil stated.
Al Fadil's sentiments followed barely two days after the Sudanese rebel group formally signed a political agreement in Nairobi to strengthen its dominance in Sudan and take control of select regions in the war-torn country.
Meanwhile, Ruto's decision to allow RSF in Kenya has since attracted backlash both locally and internationally with a section of critics accusing Ruto of mishandling the ongoing war in Sudan.
The RSF and the Sudanese army have been at war since mid-2023 with the battle over the control of the the country leading to the deaths of more than 30,000 people with 14 million others displaced.
