Kenya denies Sudan's claims as tensions over RSF links escalate

Kenya has dismissed accusations by Sudan’s military-led administration that it is fueling the ongoing conflict in Sudan, terming the claims baseless.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued Tuesday, April 29, expressed concern over a diplomatic circular reportedly circulated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to foreign missions, accusing Kenya of exacerbating the civil war that has gripped Sudan for more than two years.

“While it is not in Kenya’s interest to engage in needless exchanges, especially on a matter so grievous and intractable, it is nonetheless incumbent to put the record straight, people and nations of goodwill to disregard those tirades as baseless,” the ministry stated.

Tensions escalated last month after leaders of the  Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups convened in Nairobi to sign the “Sudan Founding Charter,” which the SAF sees as an attempt to establish a parallel government.

The Sudanese military administration has interpreted Kenya’s hosting of the event as an endorsement of the RSF, a claim Nairobi now denies.

Kenya maintains that it is offering a neutral platform for dialogue.

“The convening of this dialogue forum in Nairobi neither equates to endorsing any forum’s outcome nor constitutes the formation of an exile government as has been alleged,” the Ministry said.

The government further insisted on its long-standing role as a peace broker in the region and noted that it has hosted meetings with both SAF and RSF representatives in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

In March, Sudan retaliated by banning all imports from Kenya, citing Nairobi’s engagement with RSF leaders.

Sudan’s Trade Minister, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, said the move followed a Cabinet resolution to suspend imports “from the State of Kenya, until further notice.”

Kenya’s role has drawn international attention, with countries such as Turkiye and Saudi Arabia warning that perceived partisanship could damage Nairobi’s credibility as a regional mediator.

However, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has previously defended the country’s involvement, saying the government is committed to providing a “non-partisan platform for all parties to seek resolutions.”