- Sudan warns of economic retaliation against Kenya over alleged support for the RSF.
- Threats include banning Kenyan tea imports, a major export to Sudan.
- Sudan to file a complaint with the African Union (AU) and other international bodies.
- Kenya facilitated the signing of an RSF-backed charter in Nairobi on February 23.
- Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi defended Kenya’s role, citing efforts for peace and stability.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein al-Amin has announced potential economic sanctions against Kenya, citing its ties with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“We will take economic actions, including banning the import of Kenyan products, especially since Sudan is one of Kenya’s largest tea importers,” Amin stated on February 24.
Additionally, Sudan plans to involve the African Union (AU) and other international organizations to counter Kenya’s position on the conflict.
“We will submit a memorandum to the AU and other bodies, and we have escalatory measures against Kenya for its hostile stance toward Sudan.”
Accusations Against Kenya
The Sudanese official accused Kenya of supporting the RSF, which has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023.
He condemned Kenya’s decision to host RSF representatives in Nairobi, where they signed a founding charter for a parallel government. According to Amin, this move violates international agreements, including those of the United Nations (UN), AU, and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development).
Kenya’s Justification for Hosting the RSF Charter Signing
On February 23, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, welcomed the signing of the RSF-backed peace charter in Nairobi.
“The steps taken are encouraging in the journey toward restoring peace, stability, and democratic governance in Sudan,” Mudavadi stated.
He added that Kenya is aware of ongoing engagements between RSF, Sudanese political parties, civil society, and military groups in Nairobi.
Kenya maintains that the peace roadmap signed in Nairobi represents the commitment of Sudanese groups to prioritize unity over conflict.
With Sudan threatening to cut off Kenyan imports—particularly tea, a significant export to Sudan—diplomatic tensions between the two nations may escalate further. Sudan’s plan to engage the AU and international bodies could also shape the next phase of regional diplomacy.
