‘Gross overreaction’: Kenya downplays Sudan ban on its imports amid RSF controversy

The government has downplayed the move by Sudan to issue a decree suspending all imports from Kenya indefinitely for hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi last month.

The decision, which was communicated by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on Thursday evening, was arrived at following a Cabinet resolution that sought to punish Kenya for facilitating RSF activities and subsequently escalating tensions in the country. 

Further, the Sudanese government attributed the Cabinet decision to protecting its national interests and security concerns.

The Kenyan government, through Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, has however seemingly brushed off the decision, terming it a “gross overreaction.”

According to PS Korir, Kenya will continue playing its role of advocating for dialogue as a means of resolving the conflict in Sudan, noting that the continuing war has – in any case – already cut off Kenya’s exports hence this latest decision is moot.

“The decision is a gross overreaction. It will not deter Kenya from privileging dialogue as the only mode of resolving the Sudanese conflict that has now lasted for over two years, killed and maimed thousands and left hundreds of thousands displaced,” said PS Korir.

“This war has in any event cut Kenyan exports to Sudan by almost 90% and it is the reason Kenya would rather a peaceful Sudan than the privilege of servicing a considerably diminished market.”

The Sudanese government and RSF Forces have been at loggerheads for control of the State since April 2023 in a war that has claimed thousands of lives. 

The war plunged the country into chaos, with the Sudanese army now controlling the Eastern and Northern regions while the RSF dominated the Western and larger parts of the South. 

Hence, Kenya's decision to host the RSF group, which signed a founding charter to form a parallel government in Sudan, spelled regional consequences. 

Historically, Kenya has been involved as a mediator in regional conflicts and the move raised questions about its foreign policy alignment. 

The Sudanese government's inaugural action came in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which warned that the decision to host the RSF group violated its sovereignty by interfering in its internal affairs. 

"Hosting leaders of the terrorist RSF militia and allowing them to conduct political and propaganda activities while they continue to perpetrate genocide, massacre civilians on an ethnic basis, attack IDP camps, and commit acts of rape constitutes endorsement of and complicity in these heinous crimes," the Ministry stated then. 

The African Union also condemned the move and warned that it posed a huge risk of partitioning the country.