Yesterday, the Sudanese government summoned its ambassador to Nairobi for consultations, in protest over Kenyan President William Ruto's reception of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), leader of the Rapid Support Forces, who are currently engaged in conflict against the Sudanese army.
The acting Sudanese Foreign Minister, Ali Al-Sadiq, issued a statement published by the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA), stating, "Sudan has summoned its ambassador in Nairobi for consultations, protesting the official reception organized by the Kenyan government for the leader of the militia insurrection during his visit there yesterday."
The statement further mentioned that discussions with the ambassador would cover all possibilities regarding the future of Sudan's relations with Kenya, "which has, since the outbreak of the treacherous war in the country, supported the rebellion and hosted its leaders and backers, in addition to conspiring with hostile regional powers against Sudan."
President Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the leader of the Rapid Support Forces last Wednesday and praised, in a post on "X" platform, "his commitment (…) to ending the conflict in Sudan through dialogue." He added, "The ongoing talks led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in East Africa should lead to a political settlement that enables lasting peace in the country."
During his New Year's Eve speech marking the anniversary of Sudan's independence, Sudanese Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan urged countries hosting "these killers" to stop meddling in Sudanese affairs, "as any facilitation provided to the leadership of the rebel group is considered complicity in the crime, and complicity in the killing and destruction of the people of Sudan."
Relations between Sudan and Kenya have been tense for months, with the Sudanese Foreign Ministry repeatedly accusing Nairobi of siding with the Rapid Support Forces since the confrontation with the Sudanese army started in mid-April of the past year.
The conflict has reportedly resulted in the death of 12,000 individuals, according to estimates by some organizations, while it is widely believed that the actual toll might be higher. Additionally, the battles have caused the displacement of more than 7 million individuals, as per the United Nations.
