Kenya risks being isolated at the international stage for its association with sanctioned Sudanese rebels accused of mass murder and displacement of millions from their homes.
Various global powers have backed Sudan Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces, which is seen to have the tacit support from President William Ruto.
The RFS top brass, led by Mohamed Hamdan Gagalo also known as Hemedti, have been in Nairobi where they announced the formation of a parallel government and a new constitution.
However, the move triggered diplomatic tension between Khartoum and Nairobi, with the former accusing Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The matter has now taken a fresh twist with many global powers throwing their backing behind Sudanese military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Among the countries that have issued statements in favour of al-Burhan include the US, China, Russia, the UK, Turkey and Guyana.
The State Department though the African Bureau on Wednesday said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that Sudan rebels Rapid Support Forces and aligned actors had signed a “transitional constitution” .
Addressing the Security Council on February 27, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong said the move by RSF, allied political parties and armed factions to declare a parallel government risk increasing the fragmentation of Sudan.
“China reiterates its support for the sovereignty, unity and the territorial integrity of Sudan,” Amb Fu said.
A day earlier, acting US Alternate Representative to the UN John Kelly also warned against the RSF move.
Kelly said the move to establish a government in RSF-controlled territories in Sudan are unhelpful for the cause of peace and security and risks a de facto partition of the country.
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Senator Jim Risch has accused the Kenyan government of helping the RSF to legitimise their “genocidal rule” in Sudan.
“Last year, I led efforts in Congress to recognise RSF-led atrocities in Sudan, which have contributed to over 150,000 deaths, as genocide. In January, it became US policy,” Senator Risch said on X.
“Now, Kenya, a U.S. ally, is helping the RSF legitimize their genocidal rule in Sudan under the guise of peacemaking—this is an unthinkable attempt to obscure the truth and will not end the massacre.”
On Tuesday, RSF and allied parties under the banner of Sudan Founding Alliance said it would be seeking international recognition from domestic legitimacy.
The US in May last year designated Kenya as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ally, elevating its role in regional and international security.
Kenya has also been a close security partner for the US in the Horn of Africa, and President William Ruto has been having discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the escalating insecurity and instability in the region.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed “deep concern” at the announcement of a political charter that expresses an intention to establish a governing authority in RSF areas of control.
“This further escalation in the
conflict in Sudan deepens the fragmentation of the country and risks
further entrenching the crisis. Preserving Sudan’s unity, sovereignty
and territorial integrity remains key
for a sustainable resolution of the
conflict and the long-term stability
of the country and the wider region,”
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for
the secretary general, said on February 24.
