‪Sudan Recalls Its Ambassador To Kenya After RFS Meeting In Nairobi‬

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled its Ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, for consultations, signaling a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Sudan and Kenya.

The move comes as a protest against what Sudan describes as a “hostile act” by the Kenyan government, which recently issued a statement defending its decision to host meetings for the Rapid Support Militia (RSF), commonly known as the Janjaweed, and its allies in Nairobi.

In a strongly worded statement, the Sudanese Ministry condemned Kenya’s actions, accusing it of facilitating the activities of a “terrorist militia” bent on establishing a parallel government in Sudan.

The ministry rejected Kenya’s justification, which referenced its historical role in hosting the Machakos negotiations—an earlier peace process between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. Unlike those talks, which were conducted with Sudan’s consent under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and international sponsorship, the current meetings in Nairobi involve a group Sudan views as a direct threat to its sovereignty.

Sudanese officials escalated their rhetoric, alleging that Kenya’s actions amount to a conspiracy to undermine Sudan’s legitimate government.

The ministry pointed to the timing of the Nairobi meetings, which coincided with the Qataina massacre—a brutal attack that claimed the lives of 433 civilians—as evidence of the militia’s destabilizing agenda.

It further accused Kenya of transforming Nairobi into a hub for the RSF’s political, financial, and logistical operations, with the Kenyan leadership offering overt support.

Notably, the ministry highlighted a previous instance in which Kenya’s government welcomed the militia’s leader with a presidential-level reception, a gesture that has fueled Sudan’s outrage.

Aim at Ruto

Khartoum also took aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of prioritizing personal and commercial interests—linked to the militia’s regional sponsors—over Kenya’s national interests and the broader goal of regional stability.

This, Sudan argues, represents a flagrant violation of international and regional conventions, including those aimed at preserving sovereignty and preventing interference in the affairs of other states.

Despite attempts to address the issue through diplomatic channels, Sudan claims Kenya has persisted in its support for the RSF, disregarding the historical ties between the two nations.

The recall of Ambassador Jabara goes to show Khartoum’s frustration and its determination to take a firm stand against what it perceives as a betrayal of regional solidarity.

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has however praised countries that have rejected interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and welcomed a recent statement by the UN Secretary-General refusing to recognize any parallel government in Sudan.

The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has been involved in a power struggle with the Sudanese army since the country’s coup in 2021.

The conflict has resulted in significant violence and displacement, with both sides accused of committing war crimes.