Sudan escalates diplomatic offensive against Kenya
Days after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a charter in Nairobi, Sudan has continued to criticise President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of undermining its sovereignty.
In a statement on Monday, March 3, 2025, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sustained its offensive, describing Kenya’s stance as an irresponsible approach.
Sudanese Foreign Affairs Ministry added that allowing RSF to sign the charter in Nairobi risks sliding Kenya into the rogue state category.
Receives support
While reprimanding Kenya, Sudan noted that it had received worldwide support calling for the protection of its independence and sovereignty.
According to the East African nation, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait are among the countries supporting their position in this simmering diplomatic row.
“The Ministry commends the strong principled stances expressed by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the African member states of the Security Council: Algeria, Somalia, and Sierra Leone, as well as the positions of the other Council members Russia, China, the United States, Britain, and Guyana, and the statement issued by Turkey.
“These clear positions affirm that the irresponsible approach of the Kenyan presidency, by embracing the genocide militia and seeking to legitimize its unprecedented crimes, is isolated both internationally and domestically, placing Kenya in the category of a rogue state defying international norms,” the statement read in part.
On February 28, 2025, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and called on all parties to prioritise the national interest and prevent the country from the risk of division.
”The State of Qatar expresses its full support for the unity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the sisterly Republic of Sudan. It rejects any form of interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and calls on all parties to prioritize the supreme national interest and to prevent the country from the risk of division,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar shared.
Same sentiments were shared by Turkiye, which released a statement on Saturday, March 1, 2025, calling on the respect of Sudan’s sovereignty.
“It is of utmost importance to refrain from any steps that would harm the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Sudan,” Turkiye said.
Sudan has since called on other nations to stand by them to prevent any attempts of forming a parallel government which they argued is a threat to regional peace and security.
“We renew the call to all members of the international community and regional and international organizations, particularly the African Union, to condemn this grave threat to regional peace and security and the reckless tampering with the established rules of the international order. “
Kenya’s position
RSF and other affiliate alliances signed their charter in Nairobi sparking diplomatic discourse.
Kenya immediately released a statement expressing its willingness to support both parties in finding a long-lasting solution to ending conflict in Sudan.
Prime Cabinet Secretary who doubles up as Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi further defended President Ruto, insisting that he was bipartisan in the whole process and that the country was willing to help end the Sudan conflict.
“We note that this is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries. Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule,” Mudavadi’s stated.
“Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups’ tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi is compatible with Kenya’s role in peace negotiation which enjoins her to provide non-partisan platforms to conflict parties to seek resolutions.“
