Kenya’s diplomatic reputation at risk over controversial roles in Sudan, DRC controversies
Many are calling on the government to reassess its priorities as the country's reputation teeters on the verge of collapse due to its controversial associations with conflict groups.
Kenya’s international reputation is facing increasing scrutiny due to its controversial associations with conflict regions such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which threaten to undermine the country’s long-standing image as a neutral peace broker in East Africa.
The growing concerns are largely tied to Kenya’s involvement with Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been embroiled in war with Sudan's armed forces (SAF) since April 2023.
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The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, has been accused of committing atrocities, including genocide, against the people of Darfur.
Kenya has faced criticism for inviting the RSF to Nairobi for talks aimed at forming a rival government in Sudan, despite these allegations. This has sparked outrage both within Sudan and internationally.
According to Al Jazeera, Sudan's government recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, and sharply criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of prioritising commercial and personal interests over historic bilateral relations.
Over 60,000 people have been killed, and millions have been displaced since the fighting in Sudan began after Hemedti, the RSF leader, and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the SAF chief, fell out. The two had previously participated in a coup that ended a transitional government that included civilians, but power struggles drove them apart.
'Own goal'
Abdullahi Boru Halakhe, a Kenyan policy expert, described Kenya’s involvement as a diplomatic "own goal," further damaging the country's reputation in the region.
"Kenya’s role in these peace talks, which excluded the Sudanese government, has led many to view the country as no longer neutral but aligned with a genocidal militia," Abdullahi said.
This diplomatic misstep in Sudan follows another controversial move in the DRC, where Kenya hosted rebel leaders from the M23 group, causing tension between the two nations.
The DRC government had already accused Kenya’s peacekeeping forces of being sympathetic towards rebel groups.
Analysts argue that these recent actions signal a shift in Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto.
Kenya’s controversial relationships have raised questions about its future role as a peacekeeper in Africa.
Once seen as a neutral ground for peace talks—hosting crucial agreements between warring factions in Somalia and Sudan—Kenya’s recent actions have led to questions about its diplomatic direction.
As noted by Halakhe, Kenya’s involvement with the RSF and its strained relationship with the DRC "has been a steep decline of Kenya’s diplomatic prestige."
The backlash against Ruto’s foreign policy may have long-lasting implications for Kenya's global standing.
Many are calling on the government to reassess its priorities as the country's reputation teeters on the verge of collapse due to its controversial associations with conflict groups.
The coming years will be crucial for Ruto as he navigates the delicate balance between international diplomacy and domestic governance.
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