The Kenyan government has dismissed Sudan’s ban on imports as an overreaction, prompted by Kenya’s hosting of Rapid Support Forces amid escalating Sudanese conflict. Kenyan officials stress the importance of dialogue for conflict resolution, noting that the ongoing war has significantly reduced Kenyan exports to Sudan. Sudan’s government contends that hosting the RSF infringed upon its sovereignty and raised concerns of complicity in alleged crimes against civilians.
The Kenyan government has responded to Sudan’s indefinite ban on imports from Kenya, which was imposed due to Kenya’s hosting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This decision, announced by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply, came as a result of a Cabinet resolution aimed at penalizing Kenya for facilitating RSF activities, amidst rising tensions in Sudan. The Sudanese government claims this ban is a protective measure for national interests and security.
However, Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, has characterized the Sudanese response as a “gross overreaction.” He emphasized that Kenya will persist in advocating dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan, noting that the current war has already led to a significant decline in Kenyan exports to Sudan, rendering the ban largely ineffective.
PS Korir remarked, “The decision is a gross overreaction. It will not deter Kenya from privileging dialogue as the only mode of resolving the Sudanese conflict that has now lasted for over two years, killed and maimed thousands and left hundreds of thousands displaced.” He added that almost 90% of Kenyan exports to Sudan have been halted due to the conflict, underscoring Kenya’s preference for a peaceful resolution over maintaining trade relations with an unstable market.
The conflict between the Sudanese government and RSF Forces has escalated since April 2023 and has resulted in numerous casualties and significant regional instability. While the Sudanese army controls certain regions, the RSF has a strong presence in others, further complicating the situation. Kenya’s role in hosting the RSF has raised concerns regarding its foreign policy stance.
Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Kenya’s actions as a violation of sovereignty, citing the RSF’s involvement in serious human rights abuses. The African Union has also condemned the import ban and expressed concerns that it may exacerbate the crisis and lead to further fragmentation within Sudan.
In summary, the Kenyan government has downplayed Sudan’s indefinite import ban, labeling it a disproportionate reaction amid ongoing regional tensions. Emphasizing diplomacy, Kenya aims to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict in Sudan, even as the war has already severely impacted its trade with the country. The international community, including the African Union, remains concerned about the implications of this conflict for Sudan’s stability.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
