Kenya defends hosting RSF in Nairobi amid Sudan gov't backlash

Kenya has defended its recent decision to host Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Nairobi despite backlash from the Sudan government.

The RSF, a paramilitary group fighting against the Sudanese army for control, held an event in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The talks centered around the formation of a parallel government in RSF-controlled areas, a move that angered the Sudanese government, which argued that Kenya violated its sovereignty by interfering in its internal affairs.

In a statement on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that Kenya's actions were in line with its broader role in peace negotiations and its commitment to supporting Sudan in finding a resolution to its ongoing political crisis.

“We note that this is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries. Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule,” said Mudavadi.

“Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups' tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi is compatible with Kenya's role in peace negotiation which enjoins her to provide non-partisan platforms to conflict parties to seek resolutions.“

Further, the Prime Cabinet Secretary pointed out that Kenya has a history of facilitating peace agreements in the region, including the Machakos Protocol of 2002, which helped end the Sudan II civil war.

“Kenya has established a history of facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties from neighbouring and regional states including providing good offices that have seen peace agreements signed in Kenya. Indeed, the globally acclaimed Machakos Protocol of 2002 that ended the Sudan II civil war was concluded in Kenya,” he said.

“When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior motives. It is because we believe there is no military solution to political disputes.”

Additionally, Mudavadi stressed the need for a delicate balance between security objectives and a return to civilian rule in Sudan to achieve democracy and prosperity for the people of Sudan.

“In this regard, Kenya aligns with the African Union (AU) Charter on the Unconstitutional Change of Government and the 27° October 2021 AU decision suspending Sudan from all activities of the AU including the just-ended African Union Commission (AUC) elections.,” he said.

The government’s stance comes amidst increasing regional pressure to find a solution to the Sudanese crisis, which has drawn the attention of the international community.

Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s solidarity with the Sudanese people as they work towards a peaceful resolution and called for more global and regional support for Sudan’s transition to civilian rule.

“Kenya therefore reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue. Kenya is confident that the Sudanese people will find a quick solution to the current situation, and in a manner that safeguards its security and that of the region.,” said Mudavadi.

“On its part, Kenya remains ready, individually and collectively through IGAD, AU, and other regional mechanisms, to support any efforts agreed upon by the people of Sudan, in ensuring stability and prosperity of their country and the entire Horn of Africa region.”