Sudan has suspended all imports from Kenya after Nairobi hosted RSF representatives who signed a charter for a parallel government.
Sudan-Kenya relations have taken a drastic turn following Sudan's decision to suspend all imports from Kenya. This move comes after Kenya hosted representatives of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi last month, where they signed a charter to form a parallel government.
Citing concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Sudanese government has taken a firm stance against any actions that could lead to the division of the country.
Sudan's import ban on Kenya
The Ministry of Trade and Supply of Sudan issued a statement announcing the suspension of all imports from Kenya through a decree backed by a Cabinet resolution. The decree was based on Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2024 and reaffirmed Sudan's previous legal stance under Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 2021. Sudan's Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, emphasized in an official statement that effective immediately, Sudan would halt imports from Kenya across all ports, border crossings, airports, and other entry points until further notice.
This suspension could have a significant impact on Kenya's economy, particularly in the tea sector. Sudan has historically been one of Kenya's largest tea importers, and the loss of this key market could have financial ramifications for Kenyan tea producers and exporters.
With various outlets citing data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Kenya exported USD 48.2 million of goods to Sudan in 2023. The main exports were tea (USD 29.6 million), processed tobacco (USD 3.66 million), and seed oils (USD 1.84 million). Kenyan exports to Sudan have decreased at an annual rate of 7.07% over the past five years, falling from USD 69.5 million in 2018 to USD 48.2 million in 2023. This downward trend in trade now faces further strain due to the import ban, worsening the economic impact on Kenyan farmers.
Sudan recalls its ambassador to Kenya
On February 20, the Sudanese government recalled its ambassador to Kenya. Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Kenya of violating international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act, arguing that hosting and engaging with an armed faction responsible for war crimes could be seen as a breach of Kenya's diplomatic obligations.
"Hosting leaders of the terrorist RSF militia and allowing them to conduct political and propaganda activities - while they continue to perpetrate genocide, massacre civilians on an ethnic basis, attack IDP camps, and commit acts of rape - constitutes an endorsement of and complicity in these heinous crimes," Sudan's statement read.
African Union condemns RSF's actions
The African Union (AU) and its Peace and Security Council (PSC) also responded to the RSF's attempt to establish a parallel government. In a press statement, the PSC expressed its grave concern and outright condemnation of the move, warning of the potential risk of Sudan's partition. The Council urged all AU Member States and the international community to refrain from recognizing or supporting any parallel government or entity seeking to govern parts of Sudan.
The AU's stance is important to the organization's broader commitment to maintaining stability in Africa. By rejecting the RSF's move, the AU aligns itself with the principles of state sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The rejection of any form of political or military interference in Sudan's internal affairs is consistent with AU's past resolutions and the objectives outlined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement welcoming the AU's position and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining Sudan's unity. The government of Sudan expressed appreciation for the PSC's clear and unequivocal condemnation of the RSF's actions. In its statement, Sudan reiterated the importance of preserving national sovereignty and preventing any external or internal attempts at partitioning the country.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Sudan's endorsement of the AU's statement is a strategic move to consolidate international support and prevent any further recognition of the RSF's parallel government as it seeks to delegitimize the RSF's political maneuvers and safeguard its territorial integrity.
The broader implications of the rift
The diplomatic fallout between Kenya and Sudan reflects a wider geopolitical struggle in the region. The RSF has been a contentious force in Sudan's ongoing conflict, and Kenya's decision to host the group's representatives has strained its relations with Khartoum. The RSF's attempt to establish a parallel government also represents a significant challenge to Sudan's political stability and has led to fears of prolonged internal conflict and potential fragmentation.
For Kenya, the decision to engage with the RSF will continue to have diplomatic and economic repercussions. The long-term implications of this crisis remain uncertain, but it is clear that Sudan is determined to resist any actions that threaten its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
