Sudan has banned all imports from Kenya for hosting sanctioned Rapid Support Forces, who announced a parallel government in Nairobi on February 22.
Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on Thursday issued a decree suspending all imports from Kenya indefinitely following a Cabinet resolution.
The move, Sudan said, is a response to Kenya’s move to allow RSF and allied groups to undertake activities Port Sudan has termed as interreference in its domestic affairs, an assault on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Further, the Sudanese government attributed the Cabinet decision to protecting its national interests and security concerns.
“The following decision was issued: Suspension of all the imports of all products coming from the State of Kenya is suspended through all ports, crossings, airports and outlets, effective from this date until further notice. All concerned parties shall implement the decision,” the decree read in part.
The Sudan Armed Forces that leads the junta government and RSF have been involved in a civil war since April 2023, wrestling to control the country.
The war plunged the country into chaos, with the Sudanese army now controlling the Eastern and Northern regions while the RSF dominated the Western and larger parts of the South.
Following the activities of RSF and its allies in Nairobi, Sudan warned that it would respond with far-reaching consequences.
Among the key exports to Sudan is Kenyan tea.
Data from the Tea Board of Kenya show Sudan was the 12th largest importer of Kenyan tea with 10.7 million kgs in exports worth Sh2.3 billion in a year to December 2024.
‘GROSS OVERREACTION’
The Kenyan government has, however, downplayed the move by Sudan, terming it a “gross-overreaction”.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei on Friday said the move was already moot as the war had already cut off Kenya’s exports.
“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,” Sing’oei said.
“This war has in any event cut Kenyan exports to Sudan by almost 90% and it is the reason Kenya would rather a peaceful Sudan than the privilege of servicing a considerably diminished market,” he added.
Kenya, which has historically been involved in the Sudan peace process, has been criticised for hosting RSF activities, with various powers, the UN and the AU condemning the announcement of the parallel government.
Among the global powers that have commented on the matter are the US, China and Russia.
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Guyana and Uganda have also weighed in on the matter.
The African Union Peace and Security Council on Tuesday condemned the move and warned that it posed a huge risk of partitioning the country. It warned against any recognition and or support to the parallel government.
