Kenya has reiterated its commitment to facilitating peace and providing humanitarian support in the ongoing Sudan conflict, emphasizing its neutrality amid growing international scrutiny. Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura stressed that Nairobi does not support either the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) or the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s civil war. The Kenyan government is fully committed to the ceasefire process under IGAD. Any claim otherwise is inaccurate, Dr. Mwaura affirmed, highlighting Kenya’s role in hosting dialogue between the warring factions and its broader peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Since the 2019 removal of former President Omar al-Bashir, Sudan has struggled with instability, escalating into open conflict between SAF and RSF, led by Generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, respectively. The humanitarian situation is dire, with 18 million people facing food insecurity and 11 million requiring urgent healthcare. Kenya has pledged $2 million (approximately Sh256 million) through international donor conferences and continues to facilitate peace talks, including hosting the signing of the Sudan Founding Charter in Nairobi. Dr. Mwaura underscored Kenya’s approach of impartial mediation, asserting that support from external actors like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE should not compromise Kenya’s neutrality.
The Kenyan government also highlighted its leadership in refugee management through the Ushirika Plan, a model recognized globally for its humane and organized approach. Dr. Mwaura called for coordinated efforts from the African Union, United Nations, and other multilateral bodies to address the crisis, stressing that peace in Sudan is both a regional and humanitarian imperative. As the conflict persists, Kenya’s historical, principled, and pragmatic diplomatic engagement remains central to fostering a sustainable resolution while providing critical humanitarian support.