Sudan blasts Ruto for hosting RSF’s political event in Nairobi

By Matik Kueth

Sudan’s Foreign Ministry chided Kenyan President William Ruto for hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) political event in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The event was a preliminary step towards forming a new political government by the RSF in the areas under its control, which has sparked significant tension.

Several alliances of political and armed parties supporting the RSF are anticipated to sign a political charter within three days, followed by constitutional procedures and the formation of a government in RSF-controlled territories.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry stated that the event directly contradicted Kenya’s prior commitments at the highest level not to allow hostile activities against Sudan on its territory.

It characterized the event as a declaration of hostility against the Sudanese people, accusing Kenya of encouraging the division of African countries, violating their sovereignty, and interfering in their affairs, which contravenes the UN Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and international norms.

The ministry specifically noted that the event’s stated goal is to establish a parallel government in a part of Sudanese territory.

Questioning Kenya Sudan’s relations fate

This development has raised serious questions, particularly in light of previous assurances by Kenya’s President William Ruto.

On January 26^th, 2025, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif stated that Kenya’s position on Sudan had seemingly shifted following a meeting with Kenya’s Ruto in Nairobi, where Ruto pledged not to recognize any government the RSF intended to announce in areas under its control.

However, the RSF’s plans to declare its own government in three days have left many questioning Ruto’s actions, especially considering his role as the chairman of the East African Community (EAC), which is expected to maintain neutrality.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, now in its second year, has extended to multiple states, with both factions accused by the United Nations of committing atrocities, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

Despite peace mediation efforts by the international community and peace brokers to mediate a resolution, the fighting persists, driven by the competing factions’ desire for power.

Sudan’s concerns about Kenya’s position in supporting the RSF began in June 2023, specifically on the 14th, when Al-Burhan opposed the replacement of President Salva Kiir Mayardit as head of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation team for the Sudanese conflict.

The regional bloc (IGAD), also instrumental in mediating South Sudan’s peace agreement, had insisted that Kenyan President William Ruto take over from Kiir.

But the Sudanese foreign ministry disagreed, demanding that President Salva Kiir Mayardit remain as head of the mediation team.

On July 16th, 2023, Kenya’s President William Ruto held talks with Sudanese army leader Al-Burhan, and was seen as a positive step after the Sudanese army chief had initially rejected Kenya’s mediation role. Ruto also communicated with the president of Chad on the situation in Sudan, a move that Al-Burhan turned down.

On November 13th, 2023, Al-Burhan traveled to Nairobi and held talks with his counterpart, William Ruto, specifically addressing Kenya’s stance on the Sudanese war.

The meeting was reported to be fruitful, fostering a better understanding between the two leaders.

However, Ruto’s recent decision to host the RSF’s opposition alliance and the three-day consultative meeting, aimed at forming an RSF government in the areas it controls, has deeply frustrated the Sudanese government, leading to a loss of trust in the Kenyan president.