Sudan raises concerns over Kenya’s plan to host RSF for second conference

Kenya has once again found itself at the center of a diplomatic dispute with Sudan, following reports that it is preparing to host a second conference in Nairobi for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies.

Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced strong objections to the move, especially in light of the RSF’s ongoing assaults on the Zamzam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), where hundreds of civilians, including women and children, have reportedly been killed.

In a statement shared via social media on Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Sudanese government stated that it was aware of plans by Kenya to facilitate another meeting involving the RSF militia and its associates in the near future.

Khartoum further criticized the planned gathering, noting that it comes on the heels of a similar meeting hosted under the auspices of Kenya’s presidency in February 2025.

That earlier meeting, according to Sudan, aimed at establishing a parallel administration aligned with the RSF.

“While the Janjaweed RSF militia escalates its campaign of genocide against specific ethnic groups in Darfur—exemplified by its ongoing attack on the Zamzam camp for IDPs, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, including women and children—and while the militia continues to target vital civilian facilities across the country, reports are emerging that Kenya will host a second conference for the RSF terrorist militia and its affiliates in the coming days," the statement read in part.

"This follows previous meetings sponsored by the Kenyan presidency in February of this year, which sought to declare a so-called 'parallel government' for the genocidal militia and its followers."

Sudan also criticized Kenya for moving forward with plans to host another meeting, despite widespread international condemnation of the initial conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

It went further to warn that Kenya’s ongoing engagement with the RSF reflects a blatant disregard for international legitimacy and the authority of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

The Sudanese government argued that such actions endanger regional stability, undermine the sovereignty of African states, and threaten social cohesion across the continent.

Sudan has now appealed to the international community to denounce what it describes as reckless behavior by Kenya, claiming it violates international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

"The Kenyan government’s insistence on continuing to support the terrorist militia and harbour its activities demonstrates a disregard for international legitimacy and the African Union Peace and Security Council," the statement read.

"It also poses a serious threat to regional security, the sovereignty of African nations, and social stability within them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to condemn this irresponsible conduct, which violates international law, the UN Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union."