- Sudan is accusing Kenyan government of violating the principles of good neighbourliness by hosting US-sanctioned Rapid Support Forces (RSF) meeting.
- Nairobi now stands accused of endorsing continued perpetration of genocide, massacre civilians on an ethnic basis, attack on IDP camps, and acts of rape by RSF.
- Khartoum is also accusing authorities in Kenya of encouraging the division of African countries.
The simmering tensions between Kenya and Sudan have taken a dramatic twist after Nairobi allowed a key event for the political group aligned with sanctioned Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to proceed on Tuesday. US-sanctioned RSF has been fighting the Sudanese army for the control of the country for over a year now.
On Tuesday, authorities in Nairobi gave the greenlight for a key meeting by RSF leadership to proceed at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. This event was a precursor towards the establishment of a new political group drawing together several political formations and armed groups that are backing the RSF.
“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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
“This action by the Kenyan government not only violates the principles of good neighbourliness, but also contravenes the pledges that Kenya made at the highest levels not to allow hostile activities against Sudan,” it added.
RSF readying a new political charter
Media reports show that a new political charter could be inked as early as Friday this week, and it will be followed by constitutional arrangements and the establishment of a government in RSF-controlled areas in Sudan.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sudan said the Nairobi event went contra to Kenya’s commitments at the highest level not to allow hostile activities against Khartoum on its territory and it amounted to a declaration of hostility against the Sudan.
Additionally, Khartoum accused authorities in Kenya of encouraging the division of African countries, violating their sovereignty, and interfering in their affairs, contravening the UN Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and international norms.
The foreign ministry of Sudan noted that the event’s stated goal is to establish a parallel government in a part of Sudanese territory.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif said on January 26 that Kenya’s position on Sudan had changed. Following a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, Youssif said Ruto pledged not to recognize any government the RSF intends to announce in areas under its control.
The foreign ministry expressed its regret that the Kenyan government had reneged on its obligations under international law, the UN Charter, and the Genocide Convention by allowing the gathering, which involved the RSF, which it holds responsible for ongoing genocide.
“Hosting RSF leaders and allowing them to conduct open political and propaganda activities at a time when they are committing genocide and massacres against civilians on ethnic grounds is an encouragement and participation in the continuation of these atrocities,” the ministry said.
It added that the event in Nairobi will bear no impact on the ground, citing the Sudanese army’s determination, joint forces from armed movements, and supporting forces that are at the ready to liberate every inch of territory controlled by the RSF.
The ministry called on the international community to condemn the Kenyan government’s actions, adding that it would take steps to rectify the situation.
Read also: US sanctions strike Hemedti and RSF companies over Sudan war
US Sanctions RSF leader Hemedti
The move by Kenya is poised to cause a diplomatic storm given that in January the US sanctioned RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Hemedti. US accused RSF of orchestrating systematic atrocities on populations. In particular, Hemedti was slapped with sanctions for his direct involvement in gross human rights violations, including mass rapes committed by soldiers under his command in Darfur region.
The US Department of State stated that Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) of the US law, barring him and his immediate family from entering the US.
“Hemedti’s actions have blatantly disregarded international humanitarian commitments and contributed to unthinkable suffering in Sudan,” the statement noted.
Also hit by the US sanctions were seven RSF-owned companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These firms were implicated in procuring weapons for the RSF, enabling the group to carry out its atrocities.
Capital Tap Holding L.L.C. (Capital Tap Holding), based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has provided money and weapons to the RSF, the State Department noted. “The United States continues to call for an end to this conflict that is putting innocent civilian lives in jeopardy,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “The Treasury Department remains committed to using every tool available to hold accountable those responsible for violating the human rights of the Sudanese people.”
One of the seven firms on target is Capital Tap Holding L.L.C. (Capital Tap Holding), a UAE-based holding company that manages 50 companies over 10 countries. This firm, under the ownership and leadership of Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed (Abu Dharr) is being accused of providing the RSF with money and military equipment.
The other Capital Tap Holding subsidiaries on the radar of US State Department are: Capital Tap Management Consultancies L.L.C. (Capital Tap Management) and Capital Tap General Trading L.L.C. (Capital Tap General), Creative Python L.L.C., Al Zumoroud and Al Yaqoot Gold & Jewellers L.L.C., Al Jil Al Qadem General Trading L.L.C., and Horizon Advanced Solutions General Trading L.L.C.
The sanctions aim to disrupt the financial networks that have allowed the RSF to perpetuate violence. “This action is part of our continued efforts to promote accountability for all warring parties responsible for fueling this conflict,” the statement emphasized.
