Kenya’s Diplomatic Reputation at Risk Over Involvement in Sudan and DRC

Kenya’s diplomatic reputation is jeopardized by its controversial associations with conflict groups in Sudan and the DRC. Involvement with Sudan’s RSF and hosting rebel leaders in the DRC has sparked international criticism and raised questions about Kenya’s neutrality as a peace broker in East Africa. The government is urged to reassess its priorities to avoid further decline in its global standing.

Kenya’s diplomatic reputation is under increasing scrutiny due to its controversial associations with conflict regions such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These connections are threatening to undermine the nation’s image as a neutral peace broker in East Africa, which it has worked to cultivate over the years. The concerns mainly arise from Kenya’s involvement with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudan’s armed forces since April 2023.

The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, has faced serious allegations, including committing atrocities and genocide against the people of Darfur. Kenya’s decision to invite the RSF to Nairobi for talks intended to establish a rival government in Sudan has ignited outrage both domestically and internationally, particularly given the group’s controversial background.

Following these developments, Sudan’s government took significant diplomatic steps, including recalling its ambassador to Kenya. Kamal Jabara publicly criticized President William Ruto for allegedly favoring personal and commercial interests over Kenya’s historic ties with Sudan. Since the conflict began amidst a power struggle in Sudan, over 60,000 lives have been lost, and millions have been displaced.

Policy expert Abdullahi Boru Halakhe described Kenya’s diplomatic engagement with the RSF as an “own goal,” which has further tarnished the nation’s reputation. He stated, “Kenya’s role in these peace talks, which excluded the Sudanese government, has led many to view the country as no longer neutral but aligned with a genocidal militia.”

This diplomatic setback follows another incident related to Kenya hosting rebel leaders from the M23 group in the DRC. This action heightened tensions with the Congolese government, which has previously accused Kenya’s peacekeeping forces of bias towards rebel factions. These shifts reflect a potential change in Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto, prompting concerns about the nation’s future role as a peacekeeper on the continent.

Kenya has historically served as a neutral venue for peace talks, facilitating agreements between conflicting parties in Somalia and Sudan. However, recent actions have raised doubts regarding its diplomatic intentions and integrity. Halakhe noted that the association with the RSF and challenges with the DRC signify a steep decline in Kenya’s diplomatic prestige.

The backlash against President Ruto’s foreign policy could have enduring consequences for Kenya’s global standing. Calls for the government to reassess its foreign relations are growing as the nation’s reputation appears to be precariously close to collapse due to its ties with armed groups. The forthcoming years are critical for Ruto as he must maintain a delicate balance between fostering international relations and managing domestic governance.

In summary, Kenya’s diplomatic reputation is jeopardized by associations with conflict groups in Sudan and the DRC, raising concerns over its neutrality as a peace broker in East Africa. The involvement with the RSF has drawn significant criticism, and the formulation of Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto remains a focal point for analysts. The situation calls for immediate governmental reassessment to rectify its international standing and restore its image as a peacekeeping nation.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke