Sudan dismisses Ruto’s claims of resumption of tea exports, insists ban still in effect
Despite maintaining its stance on the trade ban, the Sudanese Embassy affirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and dialogue guided by the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
The Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that Kenya continues to export tea to Sudan, maintaining that the ban on Kenyan imports remains in full force.
In an interview with vernacular media houses on Monday, President Ruto asserted that despite Sudan’s trade restrictions, Kenya was still selling tea to the country.
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“Even after they say they are not buying our tea, the market itself has forced them. We sell tea today to Sudan. So, there is absolutely no issue about selling tea, and that is why we are making money in the tea sector,” Ruto said.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Sudanese embassy refuted the claims, reiterating that no Kenyan products, including tea, had been imported into Sudan since the ban took effect.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi wishes to clarify Sudan’s trade policy concerning imports from Kenya. On March 11, 2025, Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply issued a decree suspending all imports from Kenya in line with Sudan’s national interests,” the statement read in part.
“This decision has been fully implemented, and since then, no Kenyan products, including Kenyan tea, have been imported into Sudan. Any claims suggesting otherwise are unfounded and inaccurate,” it said.
Enforce suspension
The ban was officially announced on March 14, 2025, following a directive from Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply. In the directive dated March 11, Acting Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali ordered all relevant authorities to enforce the suspension.
“The import of all products coming from the State of Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and outlets is suspended, effective from this date until further notice. All concerned parties must implement the decision,” Ali said.
The trade suspension followed a Cabinet resolution citing Kenya’s alleged support for Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese Sovereign Council accused Nairobi of hosting RSF members and sponsoring their activities.
“Based on Cabinet Resolution No. (129) of 2024 and in accordance with the powers stipulated in Cabinet Resolution No. (104) of 2021, the decision was made to preserve Sudan’s supreme interests, confirm its sovereignty, and protect its national security,” the council said.
Despite maintaining its stance on the trade ban, the Sudanese Embassy affirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and dialogue guided by the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
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