KENYA HOSTS RSF FOR SUDAN CARVE-UP TALKS

Kenya’s involvement in Sudan’s proxy war has come under scrutiny after Nairobi hosted the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on February 18. While in the Kenyan capital, the paramilitary group, which has been accused of severe human-rights abuses - including genocide, kidnappings, rape, and sexual slavery - unveiled plans to establish a rival government in parts of Darfur and Kordofan (which it currently controls). It comes amid reports that the RSF recently executed 200 civilians during a three-day rampage through villages in Sudan’s south.

This apparent closeness to the RSF has severely strained Kenya-Sudan relations, with Khartoum slamming Nairobi for what it brands its complicity in genocide. Sudan also alleges that Kenya harbours RSF rebel leaders. Weapons on their way from the United Arab Emirates to the Abu Dhabi-backed RSF in Sudan reportedly use Kenya’s Mombasa as a transit point, while President William Ruto has been criticised for engaging directly with RSF leaders.

As the extent of Kenya’s role in contributing to Sudan’s destabilisation becomes clearer, the absence of continental leadership over the issue raises serious questions as to the role of bodies such as the African Union.

Sources:

https://kenyanforeignpolicy.com/kenyas-diplomatic-dilemma-as-sudans-militia-plans-government-in-nairobi/ 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sudan-civil-war-hrw-rsf-genocide-geneina-threat-ethnic-cleansing-fasher

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rzw8wqn8vo 

https://sudantribune.com/article274476/ 

https://archive.ph/OkgaW

https://www.facebook.com/Sudania24TV/posts/pfbid0ZKqXAGe4Bzus1PBizPdDvq9h2jRbrjiMa3XLn5ip2p5aEt9XrwXSZ7PRckBNfToGl