KENYA has come under intense criticism from Sudan and domestic political figures for hosting an event by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are preparing to declare a parallel government. The move has been condemned as ‘criminally irresponsible’ and a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty, AFP reported.
Sudan accuses Kenya of undermining its sovereignty
The RSF, locked in a brutal war with Sudan’s army since April 2023, plans to proclaim its own administration in territories under its control during a gathering in Nairobi on Friday, sources within the group told AFP. Sudan’s foreign ministry, which remains loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, strongly condemned Kenya’s decision to permit the event, warning that it promotes the fragmentation of African states and interferes in internal affairs.
Kenyan President William Ruto has also faced sharp criticism from within his country. Former United Nations Trade and Development chief Mukhisa Kituyi accused him of attempting to ‘legitimise a criminal gang that has been dismembering people,’ calling the move reckless and irresponsible.
RSF’s role in Sudan’s conflict and atrocities
The RSF has been accused of widespread human rights violations, including ethnic massacres and sexual violence. In January, the United States officially determined that the group had committed genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dalgado, as well as Sudan’s army chief Burhan, for war crimes.
Since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago, tens of thousands have been killed, over 12 million displaced, and Sudan has spiralled into the world’s largest hunger crisis. The RSF controls most of western Sudan, particularly Darfur, while the army has recently regained key areas, including parts of the capital, Khartoum.
Kenya’s role in regional diplomacy questioned
Kenya has historically played a central role in regional peace efforts, including brokering Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement two decades ago. However, its decision to host the RSF event has drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists. Abdullahi Boru Halakhe, a lawyer for Refugees International, described it as ‘genocide-washing,’ arguing that it damages Kenya’s reputation as a peace facilitator.
The event, originally scheduled for Tuesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, was postponed to Friday. Organisers told AFP that Dalgado, who has largely remained out of public view since the war began, has arrived in Kenya and is expected to attend.
