The Government of Kenya has rejected claims made by Sudan’s military leadership blaming Kenya for the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, April 29, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said it was concerned by a letter circulated by Sudan’s SAF administration to foreign embassies accusing Kenya of interfering in the conflict.
The statement noted that the civil war in Sudan has been ongoing for over two years, leaving thousands dead, millions displaced, and large parts of the country without access to humanitarian aid.
"The government of the Republic of Kenya has taken note with concern of the circular note by Sudan SAF administration addressed to all Diplomatic and Consular Missions in various capitals, shifting blame to Kenya for the tragic and unending conflicts that have engulfed that country for over two years," part of the statement reads.
The government said it has worked through regional peace efforts and has held meetings with Sudan’s rival groups both in Nairobi and in other locations.
"In an effort to find a negotiated settlement, Kenya has met leaders of the two main warring sides in Nairobi, both simultaneously and at separate intervals, in accordance with its unrivalled credentials for peaceful mediation," the statement reads.
The ministry said its role has been neutral and guided by its long-standing commitment to peace in the region,” the Ministry stated.
According to the ministry, some Sudanese leaders had recently held meetings in Nairobi to discuss a way forward. This meeting has caused concern in Sudan’s leadership, which accused Kenya of supporting an exile government.
The Ministry denied this claim, saying that hosting a dialogue does not mean that the government supports the outcome or the formation of an exile government, as has been alleged.
"The convening of this dialogue forum in our capital, Nairobi, or elsewhere on Kenya’s territory, neither equates to endorsing any forum’s outcome nor constitutes the formation of an exile government as has been alleged,” the Foreign Office clarified.
Kenya also urged Sudan and the international community to work toward peace, saying that the conflict continues to cause pain across the region.
