President William Ruto has refuted claims that Kenya is providing refuge to General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In response to allegations made by allies of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto leader of Sudan and military commander, Ruto emphasized that Kenya is not involved in the Sudanese conflict.
In an interview with France 24, Ruto dismissed the accusations that Kenya supports the RSF and is allowing General Dagalo to seek medical treatment in Nairobi.
When asked about General Burhan’s statement suggesting that Ruto is backing the paramilitary RSF, Ruto replied, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We do not seek interference. The claim that Kenya is harboring Hemeti in one of our hospitals is false.”
Ruto made it clear that his primary concern lies with the millions of Sudanese citizens affected by the escalating conflict, which threatens to devolve into a genocide.
As part of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ruto, along with his colleagues, intends to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Ruto was appointed as the lead mediator in the peace talks and tasked with arranging a meeting between the two opposing generals. However, the junta faction led by General Burhan opposed this, alleging Ruto’s affiliation with the paramilitary wing.
Kenya reiterated that only IGAD possesses the authority and capacity to recall the head of state, emphasizing the need for Sudan to accept mediation and work towards resolving the conflict, which has now entered its third month.
IGAD further emphasized that resolutions stated in an official communique would remain in effect until formally revised by the heads of state and government of the eight-member bloc.
The war between the RSF and the Sudanese military commenced on April 15, with both factions vying for control of the oil-rich country.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), an independent data collection platform and crisis mapping tool, the conflict has resulted in over 1,800 fatalities and displaced 1.4 million Sudanese as of June 2023.
Despite unsuccessful attempts by the United States and Saudi Arabia to restore peace through a ceasefire, which ultimately expired, IGAD has intervened to address the situation and seek a resolution.
