Sudan Imposes Import Ban on Kenya in Response to RSF Hosting

Sudan has banned all imports from Kenya in retaliation for Kenya’s support of the RSF rebel group. The ban, announced by Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade, aims to protect national interests and will remain in effect until further notice. This move follows the signing of a political charter in Kenya by the RSF and warns of potential economic sanctions against Kenya.

The Sudanese government has imposed an immediate ban on imports from Kenya due to Kenya’s hosting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group engaged in conflict against the Sudanese army. This restriction not only applies to ports but also to railways and air transport, as detailed in a notice from Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, which emphasizes the urgency of protecting Sudan’s national interests.

As per the minister’s statement, the ban took effect on Thursday, and will be enforced until further notice, with directives issued to relevant authorities in Sudan for immediate implementation. The Kenyans government, represented by President William Ruto’s administration, has yet to respond publicly regarding this significant disruption, despite Kenya being a vital supplier of agricultural products such as tea, food items, and pharmaceuticals to Sudan.

The RSF, along with other factions, had previously signed a political charter in Nairobi on February 22, aimed at establishing an alternative administration to the existing Sudanese government. Following the charter’s endorsement, Sudan’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussein Al Fadil, alerted the public about imminent restrictions on imports from Kenya.

In a press briefing on February 24, Al Fadil announced plans to raise the issue with the African Union and other global organizations, condemning Kenya’s actions as interference in Sudanese sovereignty. He asserted that such measures from Sudan would be progressive and potentially include broader economic sanctions against Kenya, citing a violation of international agreements, including those established by the United Nations and the African Union.

In summary, Sudan’s decision to suspend imports from Kenya underscores the serious diplomatic fallout resulting from Kenya’s support for the RSF. This situation not only impacts trade relations but also raises concerns regarding Sudan’s national security and territorial integrity. The Kenyan government has yet to address these developments, leaving the future of bilateral relations uncertain.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke