Sudan Recalls Ambassador to Kenya over Hosting of Rebel Group Meetings
February 20, 2023
Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Kenya in protest against the hosting of preparatory meetings in Nairobi for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has been fighting against the national army for almost two years, with the aim of forming a parallel government.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry recalled its representative "for consultations in protest against Kenya’s hosting of meetings of the rebel militia and its allies, in a new hostile move against Sudan," the official SUNA news agency reported.
At a highly publicized event held in Nairobi this week, the RSF announced its intention to sign a founding charter that would lead to the creation of a "government of peace and unity" in Sudan. Khartoum had previously denounced this as "interference" and a "violation of its sovereignty." A source close to the organizers told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the signing of the charter, initially scheduled for Tuesday, had been postponed until Friday.
Since April 2023, the conflict between the army and the RSF has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced over 12 million, and created a major humanitarian crisis. The army controls the east and north of the country, while the RSF dominates almost all of Darfur (West), a region the size of France that is home to a quarter of Sudan’s 50 million people, as well as some areas in the south. In recent weeks, the army has retaken several strategic towns and nearly all of the capital, Khartoum.
The RSF’s political move is seen as an attempt to consolidate its control over Darfur, effectively splitting the country. This could further "fragment" the country and "worsen the crisis," warned the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson on Wednesday. The Arab League on Thursday condemned "any measure likely to harm Sudan’s unity or expose it to the risk of division or fragmentation."
The Kenyan Foreign Ministry defended its actions on Wednesday, stating that hosting the event was "in line with Kenya’s role in the peace talks, which requires it to provide impartial platforms for parties in conflict to seek solutions." Khartoum on Thursday accused Kenyan President William Ruto of acting according to "his commercial and personal interests with the regional sponsors of the militia," an apparent reference to the United Arab Emirates, which has been regularly accused of backing the RSF, an accusation they deny. In January, Nairobi and Abu Dhabi signed an economic agreement hailed as a "historic milestone" by Ruto’s office.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict between the army and the RSF has its roots in the 2019 overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir. The RSF, formerly known as the Popular Defense Force, was created by Bashir to fight rebellions in Darfur and other regions. After Bashir’s ouster, the RSF’s commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, became the deputy head of the ruling military council.
However, tensions between the army and the RSF escalated in 2022, leading to a series of clashes. In April, the army declared the RSF a "rebel group" and accused it of plotting a coup. The RSF has denied the accusations and vowed to continue fighting until a "transitional civilian government" is established.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the conflict in Sudan and urged both sides to find a peaceful resolution. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of political dialogue. The African Union has also sent a delegation to Sudan to mediate between the parties.
Implications for Sudan’s Future
The RSF’s political move poses a significant threat to Sudan’s stability and unity. If the rebel group succeeds in creating a parallel government in Darfur, it could lead to a de facto division of the country. This would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and make it more difficult to address the underlying causes of conflict.
The international community must continue to pressure both sides to find a peaceful solution and support efforts to rebuild Sudan’s democratic institutions and restore stability to the country.
