Arab rift derails London-led Sudan peace talks as RSF declares rival government
The meeting, which included African and European diplomats, had already drawn criticism from Sudan's military leadership, particularly over the presence of Kenya, the UAE, and Chad — countries Khartoum has accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
A British-led effort to establish a diplomatic contact group for ceasefire talks in Sudan collapsed on Tuesday after key Arab states — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)— refused to endorse a joint communiqué at the close of a high-stakes conference in London.
According to The Guardian, the day-long standoff between the three Arab powers over language in the communiqué marked a major diplomatic setback in attempts to end Sudan's devastating two-year civil war.
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The meeting, which included African and European diplomats, had already drawn criticism from Sudan's military leadership, particularly over the presence of Kenya, the UAE, and Chad — countries Khartoum has accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
Just hours after the failed London talks, Hemedti issued a dramatic statement via Telegram declaring the formation of a rival administration.
"On this anniversary, we proudly declare the establishment of the Government of Peace and Unity — a broad coalition that reflects the true face of Sudan," he said.
The move was widely seen as a direct challenge to the army-backed transitional government based in Port Sudan and a further blow to any hopes of a negotiated settlement.
Analysts warn it could further entrench Sudan's political divide and complicate mediation efforts.
Kenya defends regional institutions
Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who attended the London summit, emphasised the need to empower African-led peace frameworks, calling for respect for regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
"Kenya reaffirmed that IGAD remains the most appropriate institution to manage conflicts in the Horn of Africa," read a dispatch from Mudavadi's office.
He also expressed concern over what Kenya views as the undermining of African-led peace initiatives, warning that such interference delays conflict resolution and risks sidelining continental institutions.
"We must not fragment efforts. Instead, we should work to mainstream all initiatives into AU and IGAD frameworks," the statement added.
On the humanitarian front, Kenya pushed for "candid conversations" with international actors funding or arming Sudan's warring factions, implicitly referencing foreign involvement from Gulf states and other outside powers.
"Kenya underscored its commitment to the humanitarian situation in Sudan, citing its role in evacuating over 2,000 Kenyan and foreign nationals working for international organisations when the war broke out in 2023," said Mudavadi's statement.
While Kenya's official position has aligned with African multilateralism, President William Ruto continues to face accusations of tacit support for the RSF and Hemedti.
Critics point to Nairobi's hosting of RSF-aligned figures, backchannel meetings, and a perceived tilt toward Abu Dhabi, a key RSF backer.
Sudan's military government has previously accused Ruto of bias, claiming Kenya had compromised its neutrality by providing political space and cover to RSF leadership.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains dire. Hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed in recent attacks on refugee camps in Darfur, and millions remain displaced, starving, or without access to aid.
Despite the breakdown of formal diplomacy in London, the UK Foreign Office issued a statement saying it was "saddened" by the lack of a unified political outcome but insisted that some progress had been made behind the scenes.
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