Kenya is currently navigating a challenging diplomatic situation following controversial remarks made by its government spokesperson regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The comments have led to a public fallout, particularly after Sudan accused Nairobi of providing support to rebel factions. This diplomatic turmoil was ignited when spokesperson Isaac Mwaura made statements during a press briefing that implicated various countries in the Sudanese conflict, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and inadvertently fueled tensions between the two nations.
Controversial Statements
During a recent press conference, Mwaura asserted that external nations, such as Egypt and Iran, have been involved in supporting the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), while the UAE was accused of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He suggested that these actions are motivated by interests in resources like Nile waters, gold, agriculture, and access to the Red Sea. The spokesperson’s comments, which he later attempted to retract from social media, made headlines and were perceived as an admission of Kenya’s involvement in the conflict.
Mwaura stated, “The regional impact is that the war fuels arms proliferation, refugee flows, and regional instability in the eastern African region.” His remarks were quickly seized upon by Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, which accused Kenya of a “grave violation of international law.” The ministry also demanded that Kenya cease any support to the RSF and adhere to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
Kenya’s Response
In light of the backlash, the Kenyan government was swift to distance itself from Mwaura’s statements. The Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, reiterated that Kenya has never engaged in arming the RSF or attempting to establish a rival government in Sudan. He emphasized that the government remains committed to its previous assertions, stating, “We reiterate what we have said before.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also reinforced this stance, denying any involvement in the arms trade or gold smuggling. He characterized gatherings of RSF-aligned groups in Kenya as mere “peace conversations” and asserted that no government in exile was formed. Mudavadi underlined the importance of dialogue as a path to resolution, stating, “We are very clear that the solution in Sudan is not going to be military. It has to be dialogue.”
Implications of the UN Report
Mwaura’s remarks coincided with findings from a United Nations Panel of Experts report, which implicated several countries, including Kenya, Chad, and Uganda, as potential conduits for arms and gold smuggling into Sudan. Although both Kenya and Chad have officially denied these allegations, the situation remains complex.
The UAE, which was also mentioned in both Mwaura’s comments and the UN report, has categorically rejected the accusations of supplying weapons, labeling them as “baseless and lacking substantiated evidence.”
Ongoing Conflict in Sudan
Since April 2023, the SAF and RSF have been embroiled in a devastating conflict that has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and widespread instability in Sudan. Both factions receive foreign support and have faced sanctions from the United States for alleged war crimes and genocide. While SAF claims its status as the legitimate army, it disputes the legitimacy of the RSF’s actions.
The unfolding events highlight the delicate balance that Kenya must maintain in its diplomatic relations, particularly as it navigates accusations of interference and the broader implications of the Sudanese conflict on regional stability. As the situation evolves, the Kenyan government is likely to continue its efforts to clarify its position and quell any further diplomatic fallout.
