The Kenyan government has firmly rejected allegations made by Sudan’s military leadership, which accuse Nairobi of playing a role in the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan.
In a strongly worded statement released by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Tuesday, officials expressed concern over a letter reportedly circulated by Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) to various diplomatic missions. The document allegedly claims Kenya is meddling in Sudan’s internal affairs.
Kenya dismissed the accusations as baseless, emphasizing that it has consistently advocated for peace and has played a neutral role in regional mediation efforts.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya is deeply concerned by misleading claims attributed to Sudan’s SAF administration, which unjustly place blame on Kenya for the protracted conflict in Sudan,” the ministry stated.
The Sudan conflict, which has lasted over two years, has resulted in thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. In response, Kenya says it has continued to engage with both of Sudan’s rival factions, hosting peace talks in Nairobi and participating in broader regional diplomatic efforts.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, who recently attended a high-level peace summit in South Sudan on May 3, 2024, reiterated Kenya’s stance as a neutral facilitator.
“Kenya has hosted both parties to the Sudanese conflict in a bid to foster dialogue and peace,” the Ministry said, adding that such engagements are in line with Kenya’s long-standing role in promoting stability across the Horn of Africa.
The statement also addressed recent reports suggesting that discussions held in Nairobi signal Kenyan support for an exiled Sudanese government. Kenya firmly rejected this notion.
“Providing a neutral venue for dialogue does not imply endorsement of any particular outcome or group. The notion that Kenya is backing an exile government is both inaccurate and misleading,” the ministry clarified.
Kenya concluded by urging all stakeholders, including the international community, to focus on collaborative peace-building efforts and support the Sudanese people during this time of suffering.
