Kenya Reaffirms Commitment to Peace amid Sudan’s Accusations of Hostility
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry reaffirms commitment to Sudanese peace after accusations of sovereignty violations. Sudan condemned Kenya’s hosting of the RSF meeting in Nairobi. Experts express concerns over Kenya’s foreign policy direction, highlighting risks of isolation amid escalating violence in Sudan, where 24,000 have died and millions displaced.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to peace in Sudan following accusations from Khartoum of “hostility” for hosting a meeting of the Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF), in Nairobi. The Sudanese government described this action as a violation of its sovereignty, with a Sudanese delegation led by RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo at the conference. The RSF is expected to make a significant announcement regarding a parallel government later this week.
The Kenyan government stated that it has a history of facilitating dialogue and hosting many Sudanese refugees, emphasizing that its actions are without ulterior motives. However, an expert in international relations, Professor Macharia Munene, warned that Kenya risks international isolation due to this potential “foreign policy blunder,” criticizing the decision as being overly influenced by President William Ruto’s relationship with RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the military and RSF has resulted in over 24,000 casualties and displaced over 14 million individuals, according to United Nations reports. Additionally, the RSF’s recent actions have led to significant civilian casualties, including reports of over 400 deaths. Haydar Abdul Karim, a Sudanese peace activist living in Kenya, advised against regional governments taking sides, urging for negotiations instead of support for one faction over another.
In summary, Kenya reaffirms its support for peace efforts in Sudan despite facing accusations of hosting a paramilitary group that challenges Sudanese sovereignty. The Kenyan government maintains its dedication to dialogue while experts caution about the risks of international isolation. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan underscores the need for diplomatic efforts aimed at creating stability in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
