Kenya Defends Hosting Sudan Rebel Group In Nairobi, Despite Uproar
On Tuesday, February 18, RSF hosted an event in Nairobi as an initial step toward establishing an alliance of political figures and armed groups to reinforce its influence in Sudan.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Kenyan government through Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a statement on the situation in Sudan, hours after the latter's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised President William Ruto’s administration for allegedly hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group currently battling the Sudanese army for control of the country.
On Tuesday, February 18, RSF hosted an event in Nairobi as an initial step toward establishing an alliance of political figures and armed groups to reinforce its influence in Sudan.
According to reports, a treaty is set to be signed within the next three days, granting RSF the authority to form a separate government and govern specific regions in Sudan.
In a statement, Mudavadi, who is also the Prime CS, defended the recent meeting in Nairobi organized by the RSF and Sudanese civil groups, claiming that it upholds Kenya’s tradition of offering impartial mediation to conflicting parties.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi speaking at State House on February 10, 2025. /PCS
"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. 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," Mudavadi stated in part.
"Kenya therefore reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue. Kenya is confident that the Sudanese people will find a quick solution to the current situation, and in a manner that safeguards its security and that of the region. On its part, Kenya remains ready, individually and collectively through IGAD, AU, and other regional mechanisms, to support any efforts agreed upon by the people of Sudan, in ensuring stability and prosperity of their country and the entire Horn of Africa region."
Mudavadi added that the need for a delicate balance between security objectives and a return to civilian rule in Sudan should be prioritized to achieve democracy and prosperity for the people of Sudan.
"In this regard, Kenya aligns with the African Union (AU) Charter on the Unconstitutional Change of Government and the 27 October 2021 AU decision suspending Sudan from all activities of the AU including the just-ended African Union Commission (AUC) elections," he continued.
On Wednesday, Izzadin Al Safi, the Special Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, addressed the visit to Kenya, refuting allegations that it was aimed at forming a government.
“We are in Kenya not to establish a government, nor are we here to govern from outside Sudan. When the time comes to form a government, we will return to Sudan, where the people will decide their future," he said.
Al Safi reiterated the Kenyan government's stance that Nairobi was chosen as a neutral venue for facilitation and dialogue, making it an ideal location to address the underlying causes of the Sudan crisis, which has displaced approximately 11 million people.
Earlier, the Nairobi meeting did not sit well with the Sudanese government, as the country’s foreign minister argued that the event contradicted Kenya’s pledge to help end violence in Sudan. The minister also accused Kenya of fostering division among African nations by openly meddling in the internal affairs of certain states.
The RSF meeting in Kenya’s capital, initially postponed on Tuesday, is now expected to take place over the next two days, culminating in the signing of the Charter for Government of Peace and Unity agreement.
Hostilities in Sudan escalated in April 2023 following a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has been marked by extreme violence, causing widespread destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure. Additionally, a health crisis has emerged, with over 70 percent of medical facilities damaged or destroyed due to the war.
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