Sudan war: RSF presser in Nairobi cancelled amid pressure from US

A planned Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF ) press conference in Nairobi was abruptly cancelled after journalists waited for an hour to get addressed by the generals of the forces.

Before announcing the cancellation of the meeting organised at an upmarket Nairobi hotel, RSF officials met privately with unnamed Kenyan government representatives.

Sources from RSF who spoke to the Eastleigh Voice suggested that the cancellation could have been influenced by US pressure on the Kenyan government following sanctions on top RSF officials over genocide allegations in Sudan.

"We suspect that the cancellation of our meeting has something to do with the recent sanctions imposed on RSF by the US. We want to say that we will be holding another presser soon," said the official who requested anonymity.

The cancellation came hours after the Sudanese army announced on Sunday that it has made significant gains in the capital Khartoum as part of Sudan's ongoing civil war.

The military announced in a statement that it gained control over the Al-Ruwad residential complex in central Khartoum after inflicting "heavy losses" on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

"The heroes of the Armored Corps in the Al-Shajara military area have taken control of the Al-Ruwad residential complex and inflicted heavy losses in lives on the 'rebel militia' while adhering to the protection of private and public property in accordance with international law and the rules of engagement," the statement read.

The RSF, which has been fighting the Sudanese army for nearly two years, has not issued an official comment on these developments, though it has accused the army of hitting civilian areas in the capital.

The RSF gained control of large swathes of Khartoum early on in the conflict, which began in April 2023.

RSF officials who were to address the presser include the militia's advisors, Mohammed Ahmoukhair and Ezzaden Elsafi.

Two months ago, the RSF officials addressed the press in Nairobi where they announced how it was frustrating to have the Sudanese Army accept peace talks.

"A final agreement was expected in April 2023 to ensure the permanent removal of military influence from politics. Unfortunately, the SAF leadership reneged on these commitments, culminating in the outbreak of war on April 15," said Mohammed.

He went ahead to say that the war requires a nationwide ceasefire and a comprehensive political process to address Sudan's deep-rooted issues.

"For this reason, the RSF has engaged seriously in all peace initiatives as the RSF leadership has consistently prioritised peace. However, despite our serious engagement, the SAF leadership, aligned with remnants of the old regime, continued to prepare for war, undermining every effort for peace."

They claimed also to have made numerous humanitarian commitments, including during Geneva talks facilitated by the UN, even in the absence of SAF participation.

"The RSF unequivocally welcomes all regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive peace and restoring Sudan's democratic transition. Despite controlling significant parts of Sudan, including Darfur, Al-Jazira, Kordofan, and much of Khartoum, we remain fully committed to an immediate nationwide ceasefire, ensuring the passage of humanitarian aid, and creating safe corridors for civilians and aid workers," they said.

This is not the first time RSF is cancelling a press briefing in Nairobi. In 2023, they planned a similar press conference at a hotel in Nairobi's Westlands area but had it cancelled after journalists had waited for several hours.