Kenya rejects Sudanese Armed Forces' claims on war, reaffirms peace efforts

Kenya has dismissed claims from Sudan’s Sudanese Armed Forces ( SAF) administration that it bears responsibility for the prolonged crisis in Sudan, saying the accusations are unfounded and misleading.

The government said it remains focused on supporting peace efforts in the region and would not be distracted by such blame-shifting.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Tuesday, Kenya raised concern over a circular sent by the SAF to diplomatic missions accusing Nairobi of playing a role in the conflict.

The government said it was compelled to set the record straight, especially on a matter that has caused great suffering and loss of life.

"The Government of the Republic of Kenya has taken note, with concern, of the circular note by Sudan’s SAF administration addressed to all Diplomatic and Consular Mission in various capitals shifting blame to Kenya for the tragic and unending conflict that has engulfed that country for over two years," the statement said.

The government noted that while the violence has taken a devastating toll on Sudanese people and infrastructure, the parties involved have shown little interest in ending the conflict.

"While the human toll and infrastructure damage are heartbreaking, the protagonists continue to pursue their narrow interests with complete impunity, leaving thousands dead, millions displaced, and countless others without access to lifesaving humanitarian aid."

The brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing since April 2023, claiming thousands of lives and displacing over 12.5 million people.

The United States and the United Nations have sanctioned both groups for their roles in these atrocities, which have exacerbated the crisis in the country.

Kenya has remained actively engaged in efforts to bring peace to Sudan through regional mechanisms, especially within the IGAD framework.

As a neighbour and member of the Eastern Africa region, Kenya said it has played host to leaders of the two warring factions, both jointly and separately, as part of its role in seeking a peaceful settlement.

"In an effort to find a negotiated settlement, Kenya has met leaders of the two main warring sides in Nairobi, both simultaneously and at separate intervals, in accordance with its unrivalled credentials for peaceful conflict mediation," the statement noted.

In February 2024, Kenya hosted figures from the RSF in Nairobi, where they signed a charter to form a parallel government in Sudan.

This move was met with sharp criticism from multiple international stakeholders, including the U.S., U.N., and four Arab countries; Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait  who all saw it as an attempt to further destabilize Sudan.

Kenya denied accusations of siding with the RSF, emphasizing that its role in the peace process remains neutral.

"With its credentials as an enabler of peace in the region and across the globe, Kenya remains at the forefront of seeking solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan," the statement said.

The government also addressed recent meetings held by Sudanese nationals in Nairobi, saying such gatherings do not mean Kenya is supporting any outcome or forming any alternative government.

"The convening of this dialogue forum in our capital, Nairobi, or elsewhere on Kenya’s territory, neither equates to endorsing any forum’s outcome nor constitutes the formation of an exile government as has been alleged."

Kenya said it prefers not to engage in back-and-forth exchanges on such a serious issue but found it necessary to clarify its position.

"While it is not in Kenya’s interest to engage in needless exchanges, especially on a matter so grievous and intractable, it is nonetheless incumbent to put the record straight and to urge people and nations of goodwill to disregard those tirades as baseless."

As long as the conflict continues, Kenya said it cannot stand by while lives are lost and suffering continues across the region. The statement called on all parties in Sudan to choose the path of peace and bring the violence to an end.

"Kenya, therefore, urges key players to the conflict in Sudan to find a pathway to peaceful resolution and end the bloodletting. Indeed, the International Community has a duty under the UN Charter to protect human life, property, and help silence the guns," the statement concluded.