Kenya has firmly denied Sudan’s allegations that it is exacerbating the ongoing civil war by hosting a meeting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in the conflict since April 2023. The meeting, held in Nairobi in February 2025, involved the RSF and allied Sudanese civil groups discussing the formation of a parallel government. Sudan’s military leadership condemned Kenya’s actions as an act of hostility, viewing the meeting as an endorsement of the RSF’s efforts.
In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its long-standing commitment to peace and neutrality, asserting that hosting the meeting was a non-partisan initiative aimed at facilitating dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reiterated that Kenya has a history of providing platforms for peace negotiations, citing the 2002 Machakos Protocol that helped end Sudan’s second civil war.
Kenya’s involvement is also aligned with its role in regional organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), both of which advocate for Sudanese-led solutions to the conflict. The Kenyan government has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, which has led to over 24,000 deaths and displaced millions.
Despite Sudan’s criticisms, Kenya maintains that its actions are in the interest of regional stability and are consistent with its historical role as a mediator in African conflicts. The situation remains tense, with international observers urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution.
