Sudan Recalls Ambassador from Kenya, Vows to Protect Its Sovereignty

Asharq Al-Awsat

21-02-2025

Sudan's Foreign Ministry recalled its ambassador from Kenya for consultations in response to meetings in Nairobi aimed at forming a Sudanese government backed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The development is part of a growing diplomatic dispute, with Sudan accusing Kenya of supporting efforts to establish a parallel administration to the military-led government based in the interim capital Port Sudan.
The ministry warned that the country would take the necessary measures to safeguard its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The recall was a direct protest against Nairobi's decision to host what the Sudanese government termed a gathering of 'the rebel militia and its allies' and saw these meetings as another hostile act against the country, reported the official Sudanese news agency (SUNA).
On Wednesday, Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi defended his country's decision to host the discussions, stating that the initiative was coordinated with the African Union and the United Nations as part of efforts to find a solution to the ongoing war in Sudan.
However, Sudan's Foreign Ministry dismissed this justification in a statement on Thursday, calling it an attempt to 'legitimize President William Ruto's endorsement of a conspiracy to establish a government for a militia responsible for genocide.'
The statement further claimed that Sudan had tried to diplomatically persuade Kenya to reconsider its position, but without success. The ministry urged Nairobi to abandon what it described as a 'dangerous course of action' that threatens regional peace and security, encourages terrorism and facilitates human rights violations. Sudan also vowed to take decisive steps to protect its sovereignty.
In response to Sudan's accusations, Mudavadi reiterated that the Nairobi meetings, which included RSF representatives, armed groups and political and civil forces, were intended to accelerate efforts to end the war.
Nairobi hosted this week meetings involving various armed factions, political parties and civil groups, with the RSF's participation. They sought to draft a 'political charter' to establish what is being called a 'peace government,' intended to operate in parallel to the administration in Port Sudan.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya remains committed to helping restore stability and civilian rule in Sudan, working in coordination with the UN and the African Union.
Sudan was on a promising path toward stability, democracy and prosperity just four years ago before conflict derailed the transition, leading to a devastating civil war, he noted.
Calling for greater international and regional attention to Sudan's crisis, Mudavadi asserted that Kenya's role as a regional peace broker is longstanding. He referenced the country's past mediation efforts, including hosting peace talks that led to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended Sudan's previous civil war and paved the way for South Sudan's independence.
He insisted that Kenya's involvement in Sudanese peace efforts is motivated purely by a commitment to regional stability, not hidden agendas. According to Mudavadi, his country's facilitation of talks aligns with the African Union's principles and the bloc's decision in October 2021 to suspend Sudan's membership following a military coup.
He added that RSF and civil groups gathering in Nairobi to develop a political roadmap is consistent with Kenya's role as a neutral mediator, providing a platform for all parties in pursuit of peace.
Kenya remains in solidarity with the Sudanese people in determining their own future, he stressed.