Sudan has suspended all imports from Kenya, for hosting the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi in February.
On February 22, the RSF and its allied political groups signed a political charter in Nairobi expressing intention to form a parallel government in Sudan.
In response, the Sudanese government accused Kenyan for sympathizing and supporting the RSF by welcoming its militia leaders and facilitating their meetings and activities.
“In accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 129 of 2024 and Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 2021, and based on recommendations from the Sovereign Council committee tasked with addressing Kenya’s involvement with the RSF and its allies, I hereby order the suspension of all imports from Kenya through all ports, border crossings, and airports effective immediately until further notice,” read the statement issued by Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali.
“The import of all products from Kenya via all ports, crossings, airports, and entry points is suspended starting from this date until further notice.”
Welcoming the RSF leaders and allied groups in Nairobi was condemned by Sudan’s internationally recognized government, which accused Kenya of violating its sovereignty and recalled its ambassador in protest.
However, tensions escalated after Sudan’s military leaders accused Kenya of siding with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
The Kenyan Foreign Ministry defended its hosting of the RSF event, saying it was “consistent with Kenya’s role in peace negotiations, which requires it to provide non-partisan platforms for conflict parties to seek resolutions.”
All goods that enter Sudan from Kenya through ports, airports, or border crossings are subject to the import ban, which is in place until further notice.
Authorities have been instructed to enforce the directive immediately.
Kenya had earlier been at the centre of peace talks to resolve the conflict in Sudan which the United Nations called the biggest displacement crisis since Syria.
