Sudan Suspends Imports from Kenya Amid Rising Tensions Over RSF Hosting

Sudan has indefinitely suspended all imports from Kenya due to Nairobi’s hosting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This decision aims to protect national security and sovereignty amid ongoing internal conflict in Sudan. The situation reflects a deepening diplomatic crisis between the two countries, with implications for regional stability and trade relations.

Sudan’s government has announced a permanent halt on all imports from Kenya following Nairobi’s decision to host the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last month. This action, as outlined by the Ministry of Trade and Supply, serves as a punitive measure against Kenya and aims to address the perceived threat to Sudan’s national security and sovereignty. The decree mandates an immediate cessation of imports via land, sea, and air, directing all relevant parties to enforce this ban.

The instability in Sudan, stemming from an ongoing power struggle between the RSF and the national army since April 2023, has led to significant humanitarian crises, including thousands of casualties and mass displacement. With the armed forces controlling the Eastern and Northern regions and the RSF holding sway in the West and South, Kenya’s hosting of RSF leaders has further strained diplomatic relations. Moreover, this move has raised questions regarding Kenya’s foreign policy, contrasting its historical mediation role in regional conflicts.

In a formal response, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Kenya for meddling in its internal matters, labeling the RSF as a “terrorist militia” responsible for severe atrocities like genocide and ethnic violence. The Sudanese authorities claimed that hosting RSF leaders constitutes complicity in these crimes. The African Union has also cautioned that supporting a rival government could escalate tensions, reiterating its non-recognition of any secessionist government in Sudan.

Conversely, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, defended his country’s actions, asserting Nairobi’s continual commitment to peace in Sudan. He highlighted Kenya’s role as a neutral mediator, noting that past engagements have often led to dialogues aimed at peaceful transitions. Mudavadi further stated that the initiative to draft a roadmap by the RSF and Sudanese civilian factions in Nairobi aligns with Kenya’s broader mission of peacekeeping in the region. As diplomatic strains prolong, the trajectory of trade relations between Sudan and Kenya remains precarious, posing broader implications for regional stability.

In summary, Sudan’s suspension of imports from Kenya signifies a significant diplomatic rift, driven by concerns over Kenya’s support for the RSF amidst ongoing turmoil in Sudan. While Sudan condemns Kenya’s actions as interference and complicity in violence, Kenya maintains its role as a facilitator of peace in the region. The disruption of trade relations could have far-reaching consequences for both nations and the stability of the surrounding areas.

Original Source: www.tv47.digital