Sudan accuses Ruto of breaking high-level promises after Nairobi hosts parallel govt talks
Kenya is facing a diplomatic firestorm after Sudan's government on Tuesday accused President William Ruto of reneging on a high-level promise by allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups to hold discussions in Nairobi on forming a parallel government.
In a strongly worded statement, Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Kenya for violating diplomatic assurances, citing an undisclosed January meeting where Ruto had personally assured Sudan's top diplomat Ali al-Sadiq Youssif that Nairobi would not be used as a launch pad for efforts to install a rival administration.
More To Read
- Sudan recalls ambassador to Kenya amid RSF controversy
- Sanctioned Sudan’s RSF postpones planned launch of parallel government in Nairobi
- Sudan to allow aid agencies to use Adre border crossing for three more months
- Conflicts in DRC and Sudan expected to overshadow deliberations at African Union summit
"The Republic of Sudan expresses its deep regret and dismay at the government of Kenya's violation of its commitments at the highest levels not to allow its territory to be a platform for activities hostile to Sudan," the Sudanese Foreign Ministry stated hours after the RSF kicked off a meeting in Nairobi.
Sudan further accused Kenya of complicity in efforts to undermine the country's sovereignty, framing the Nairobi meetings as a clear violation of international law, the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act, and the UN Charter.
"The Kenyan government has deliberately disregarded its obligations and chosen to host and support these illegitimate gatherings, which seek to destabilise Sudan and its institutions," the statement said.
Diplomatic tightrope for Nairobi
This latest falling-out puts President Ruto in a precarious position, especially with the US closely watching.
The US government has sanctioned RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ‘Hemedti’ for atrocities in Sudan, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Yet, Nairobi has rolled out the red carpet for his faction, allowing the controversial talks to proceed.
Sudan's foreign ministry did not hold back in its condemnation, warning that Kenya's actions would have consequences.
"This is a serious breach of trust, and Sudan will not stand idly by as its sovereignty is undermined under the pretext of regional mediation," the statement read.
Notably, the State House Nairobi and the Foreign Office have remained silent on Sudan's accusations. Ruto's administration has yet to clarify why Kenya went back on its assurances to Khartoum, or whether there was official approval for the RSF-led political manoeuvring in Nairobi.
Kenya's diplomatic credibility is now on the line, and with Sudan publicly exposing Ruto's broken promise, the pressure is mounting for Nairobi to explain its stance — or face the consequences.
Top Stories Today
