The government has responded following concerns over the recent meeting involving Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 19, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating peaceful dialogue in the region.
Mudavadi emphasized that its involvement is solely aimed at supporting conflict resolution, highlighting the Machakos Protocol of 2002 which was concluded in Kenya.
"Kenya has established a history of facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties from neighbouring and regional states, including providing good offices that have seen peace agreements signed in Kenya.
"Indeed, the globally acclaimed Machakos Protocol of 2002 that ended the Sudan II civil war was concluded in Kenya. When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior motives. It is because we believe there is no military solution to political disputes," the statement read.
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Mudavadi clarified that the RSF meeting was not an endorsement of any faction but part of ongoing regional efforts to restore peace in Sudan.
"We note that this is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries. Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule.
"Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups’ tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi is compatible with Kenya’s role in peace negotiation, which enjoins her to provide non-partisan platforms to conflict parties to seek resolutions," the statement added.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya's support for the Sudanese people, expressing confidence in their ability to determine their future governance through inclusive dialogue.
"Kenya therefore reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue. Kenya is confident that the Sudanese people will find a quick solution to the current situation, and in a manner that safeguards its security and that of the region.
"On its part, Kenya remains ready, individually and collectively through IGAD, AU, and other regional mechanisms, to support any efforts agreed upon by the people of Sudan in ensuring stability and prosperity of their country and the entire Horn of Africa region," the statement further read.
Earlier Wednesday morning, Sudan slammed the Kenyan government for allowing RSF to hold a meeting in Nairobi to launch a parallel government.
In a statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Kenya of violating its obligations under international law, the United Nations Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by hosting the meeting.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets the Kenyan government’s disregard for its obligations under international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by hosting the event of signing a so-called “political agreement” between the terrorist Janjaweed militia responsible for ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan and its affiliated individuals and groups,” read the statement in part.
