The Kenyan government is facing backlash after Sudan accused it of violating its sovereignty and interfering in its affairs.
This follows the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia of the formation of a parallel government and the appointment of individuals to oversee Sudan's affairs.
In a statement released on Monday July 28, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the formation of the parallel government by what it described as a ‘terrorist militia’ in the RSF.
The ministry criticised Kenya’s role in this, claiming that it had facilitated preparatory meetings for the RSF in the country. The RSF is a rebel group currently fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country.
RSF on Tuesday, February 18, held an event in Nairobi, as a head start towards the formation of an alliance consisting of political players and armed groups to strengthen RSF’s dominance in Sudan.
The attendees of the meeting included the sanctioned RSF deputy commander Abdulrahim Hamdan, who is the brother of the RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan.
Later, the RSF signed a charter at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), paving the way for the RSF to govern rebel-held areas, advocating for a secular state and a unified national army.
According to the text of the charter, the signatories agreed that Sudan should be a "secular, democratic, non-centralised state" with a unified national army, though it also upheld the right of armed groups to continue existing.
“The Government of Sudan expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the approval and facilitation by the Republic of Kenya of preparatory meetings held by the rebel militia in Nairobi to announce its illegitimate government,” the Ministry noted.
“This constitutes a blatant violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and a breach of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs,” it added.
In slamming Kenya, Sudan asserted that Kenya's hosting of RSF contradicted the principles and charters of the United Nations, the African Union, and IGAD, all of which support the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.
It further warned of severed ties with nations in support of the parallel government, but still urged all neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, governmental bodies, and other relevant entities to denounce the declaration.
“The Government further emphasizes that any form of interaction with this declaration will be considered a direct assault on the legitimate Government of Sudan and its sovereignty over all of its territory, as well as a flagrant violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people,” the Ministry warned.
Despite the numerous accusations levelled against it, the Kenyan government has always steered clear of claims of interference and meddling in Sudan’s affairs, even offering to facilitate peace talks.
