Kenya has joined other countries to oppose all attempts to split or divide Sudan, stating that such attempts would worsen the already fragile state of the war-stricken country.
The government made its position clear through a statement released on Monday, September 15, in response to efforts by the Quad, comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States, to restore peace in Sudan.
While welcoming Quad's initiative, the government emphasised that unity and territorial integrity remained paramount and must be respected.
“Kenya firmly rejects any attempts to balkanise or split sovereign states and reiterates its solid support for a unified Sudan for the benefit of its people,” the statement said.
According to the statement, any attempts to fragment Sudan would fuel more unrest and delay peace. The Kenyan government also called on all parties involved in the Sudan conflict to respect the country's sovereignty.
Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing for more than two years, with the power struggle between the two factions plunging the country into a wave of uncertainty since April 2023.
The war has seen millions displaced, while tens of thousands have lost their lives. Essential services have also collapsed in what has been dubbed one of Africa's most devastating conflicts in recent history.
Kenya, in her statement, reiterated that the conflict was no longer isolated to Sudan, as it posed a regional threat, particularly because extremist networks were capitalising on the political instability and power vacuum to thrive.
Besides highlighting the security threat, Kenya also urged immediate international intervention to ease the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
“There must be concerted international efforts to compel the belligerents to observe a humanitarian ceasefire and allow relief aid to reach the suffering populations,” the statement went on.
“Kenya remains committed to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian supplies through its territory to support the people of Sudan.”
In order to demonstrate its dedication to the cause of peacekeeping, Kenya promised to assist humanitarian corridors across its borders and collaborate with aid organisations to guarantee that aid reached the most vulnerable.
As far as peace talks are concerned, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union made strides, but talks stalled with both SAF and RSF trading accusations of violating ceasefire agreements.
The international community has also struggled to rally behind a single peace framework, with the Quad now seeking to close the gap through a harmonised African-led process, which is supported across the globe.
Quad's proposal for an inclusive transitional process was also backed by Kenya, which emphasised that any political solution must be Sudan-led and owned by Sudan, whose communities and political groups have been the most affected by the war.
