President William Ruto of Kenya has once again stirred controversy in the escalating conflict in Sudan, as tensions rise between military leaders General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The recent diplomatic uproar began after Ruto hosted Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House, Nairobi, earlier this January. In response, General Fattah’s administration recalled Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya, expressing discontent over Dagalo’s warm reception in Nairobi.
“Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Nairobi for consultations in protest against the official reception organized by the Kenyan government for the commander of the rebel militia when he visited Kenya on Wednesday,” said Sudan’s acting foreign minister, Ali al-Sadiq.
Al-Sadiq highlighted Sudan’s dissatisfaction with the warm welcome extended to Dagalo, emphasizing the paramilitary group’s alleged role in ongoing conflicts and the destruction they’ve caused in the country.
The RSF leader was given a red carpet reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and was welcomed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and other government officials before a meeting at State House with President Ruto. Ruto commended Dagalo’s efforts toward peace and expressed hopes for a resolution through ongoing talks facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
While Dagalo was in Kenya, diplomatic tensions were palpable, leading to the postponement of a scheduled press conference, reportedly due to a tight schedule.
President Ruto’s involvement with both Sudanese leaders, having hosted General al-Burhan previously, has sparked significant controversy. Ruto’s denial of allegations regarding sheltering Dagalo prompted calls for his replacement as a mediator in the conflict. Eventually, an IGAD-led team replaced Ruto, providing a temporary reprieve for General al-Burhan.
However, Sudan’s recent recall of its ambassador raises concerns, potentially necessitating a reassessment of strategies by IGAD officials for a renewed path toward resolution in the Sudan conflict.
