Peacemaker or Peacebreaker? Analyzing Kenya’s Regional Diplomacy Under Ruto

Kenya’s international reputation as a peacemaker is under scrutiny due to its support for Sudan’s RSF and involvement with DRC rebels under President Ruto. Analysts criticize this shift from neutrality to perceived bias, risking diplomatic relations and Kenya’s status in peace negotiations.

Kenya’s reputation as a peacemaker is increasingly being questioned due to its recent diplomatic actions, particularly under President William Ruto’s administration. Notably, Kenya hosted a meeting for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of genocide, thereby raising concerns about its neutrality in regional conflicts. Analysts suggest these actions position Kenya as taking sides rather than maintaining impartiality, straining relationships with neighboring countries, especially Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In February, a meeting in Nairobi, decorated with a Sudanese flag, represented the RSF’s efforts to establish a rival government, inciting diplomatic tension. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) condemned Kenya’s actions, labeling it a “rogue state”. The backdrop of these developments highlights a shift in Kenya’s diplomatic stance from an impartial mediator in African conflicts to a country perceived as favoring rebel factions.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, initiated by a power struggle between RSF leader Hemedti and SAF chief al-Burhan, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and accusations of war crimes against both sides. The RSF’s tactics, especially against ethnic communities in Darfur, have drawn international concern. Efforts to mediate peace in the region, led by Kenya and IGAD, have largely failed.

Despite Kenya’s claims of serving as a neutral facilitator of peace talks, many, including Sudanese analysts, argue that such claims lack credibility due to the absence of SAF participants in the discussions. Consequently, it is perceived that Kenya is more interested in legitimizing the RSF rather than genuinely contributing to peace. This change in perception among Sudanese people may have serious repercussions for Kenya’s international reputation.

Kenya has also faced criticism over its involvement with rebel leaders from the DRC amidst ongoing violence by the M23 group. The Kenyan government has been accused of harboring those engaged in armed rebellion, complicating its peacekeeping role in the region. This pattern of behavior has damaged Kenya’s standing, transforming it from a peace broker to a controversial player in regional conflicts.

Historically, Kenya was regarded as a neutral arbiter, successfully facilitating peace agreements in regions like Somalia and Sudan. However, with current alliances with armed factions, analysts affirm that Kenya’s diplomatic credibility is deteriorating, undermining its role as a credible mediator. The internal political climate, marked by unrest and protests against President Ruto’s policies, further complicates the nation’s standing on the global stage.

Kenya’s shift from a respected peacemaker to being perceived as a peacebreaker under President Ruto’s leadership has raised significant concerns among analysts and foreign governments alike. The government’s recent engagements with regional rebel factions, particularly the RSF in Sudan and rebel leaders in the DRC, challenge its long-standing reputation for neutrality in diplomatic matters. These developments also expose underlying tensions and dissatisfaction within the Kenyan population, suggesting a precarious domestic situation that may continue to affect Kenya’s international relations and regional standing.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com