Sudan bans Kenyan imports over support for paramilitary force
March 13, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on Thursday suspended all imports from Kenya, it said, in protest at Kenya’s hosting of meetings with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On Feb. 23, Kenya hosted meetings between the RSF and its allies, including the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, factions of the Revolutionary Front, the National Umma Party, and several other political entities.
These parties signed a political charter and another for a transitional constitution, paving the way for the formation of a parallel authority in areas controlled by the RSF. This move sparked both domestic and international condemnation.
Shortly after the political charter’s signing was announced, the Sudanese government escalated its actions against Kenya. The Foreign Ministry said Sudan would take escalating measures, starting with recalling its ambassador and then banning Kenyan products, primarily tea.
A decree issued by Trade Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed and seen by Sudan Tribune said it “suspends the import of all products originating from Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and entry points, effective immediately until further notice.”
The decree said it was based on Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2024 and in accordance with the powers stipulated in Cabinet Decision No. 104 of 2021. It was also based on the recommendation of a cabinet committee formed to address Kenya’s hosting of the RSF, its allies, and its sponsors.
It further noted that the decision was also made to protect Sudan’s “supreme interests,” affirm its sovereignty, and safeguard its national security.
According to trade data, Sudan is the tenth-largest importer of Kenyan tea globally and the second-largest African importer of the product.
Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) shows Kenya exported $48.2 million of goods to Sudan in 2023. The main exports were tea ($29.6 million), processed tobacco ($3.66 million), and seed oils ($1.84 million). Kenyan exports to Sudan have decreased at an annualized rate of 7.07% over the past five years, falling from $69.5 million in 2018 to $48.2 million in 2023.