Kenya reassesses Sudan stance, won’t back RSF-led government, Sudanese minister says
January 26, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Kenya is reassessing its stance on Sudan and will not recognize any government formed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan’s foreign minister said on Sunday, suggesting a shift in Nairobi’s position following recent battlefield gains by the Sudanese army.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq Youssif made the remarks following a visit to Kenya where he met with President William Ruto, who is known to have close ties with RSF leaders.
“Nairobi has reconsidered its position towards Sudan based on the new developments in the war,” Youssif was quoted as saying by the Sudanese news website Al-Muhaqiq. “The idea of the RSF taking power in the country is over for Kenyan President William Ruto.”
Youssif said he participated in meetings in Nairobi on Sunday to discuss reconsidering sanctions imposed on African countries that have experienced what he termed “unconstitutional changes.”
The African Union (AU) suspended Sudan’s membership after the military’s ouster of the civilian-led government on Oct. 25, 2021.
Youssif said Ruto, who aspires to a more prominent role in Africa, believes the AU should reconsider suspending member states facing internal conflicts. This was an “important” development that could lead to the lifting of Sudan’s AU suspension, he added.
The Kenyan president told him Kenya would not recognize any government-in-exile in Sudan or any other African nation, Youssif said.
Various political entities and armed movements have been holding meetings in Nairobi, seeking to form an alternative government in RSF-controlled areas of Sudan. These efforts have caused rifts within the civilian political coalition known as Tagadum.
Youssif arrived in Nairobi on Friday at the invitation of his Kenyan counterpart, Musalia Mudavadi.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that the two ministers held talks to strengthen bilateral relations and explore cooperation in various fields.
They signed a joint communiqué, affirming their commitment to enhancing ties across various sectors, including economic and political diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, the statement added.
Both sides pledged to support political dialogue and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also agreed to work jointly to support peace initiatives and address challenges posed by terrorism, extremism, and human trafficking.
The foreign ministers agreed to maintain dialogue through a Political Consultation Committee and resume Joint Ministerial Committee meetings.
Youssif also met with Ruto and briefed him on political developments in Sudan, including the army’s recent advances against the RSF, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said.
Ruto accepted an invitation from Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to visit Sudan, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels, the ministry added.
Ruto affirmed his support for Sudan’s return to the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional bloc, as well as for joint efforts to boost bilateral ties and coordinate positions in international forums, according to the ministry. There was no immediate comment from Kenya.