Kenya has yet again found itself at the centre of a diplomatic firestorm after Sudan wrote to diplomatic missions, shifting all the blame on President William Ruto’s administration over the rising tensions in their country.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) administration had written to diplomatic and consular missions, blaming Nairobi for the ongoing atrocities.
Kenya protested the decision, maintaining that the protagonists had continued to pursue other interests instead of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has taken note, with concern, of the circular note by Sudan’s SAF administration addressed to all Diplomatic and Consular Mission in various capitals shifting blame to Kenya for the tragic and unending conflict that has engulfed that country for over two years,” the statement from the Ministry led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, read in part.’
“While the human toll and infrastructure damage are heartbreaking, the protagonists continue to pursue their narrow interests with complete impunity, leaving thousands dead, millions displaced, and countless others without access to lifesaving humanitarian aid,” it added.
Clarify stance over hosting RSF
With the simmering diplomatic tension stemming from Kenya’s decision to allow the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to sign their charter in Nairobi with the scarlet red mat unfurled, Kenya maintained that it did not endorse the outfit.
For the umpteenth time, the ministry explained that the decision to host RSF was to give dialogue a chance in efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, which has lasted for over two years, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and others displaced.
Ruto’s administration thus maintained that the roadmap signed within Kenya’s jurisdiction did not amount to an endorsement as portrayed by the Sudanese Armed Forces in the notice to diplomatic missions.
“As a country within proximity and in the Eastern African region, Kenya has, within the IGAD framework and other regional mechanisms been seized of the palpable humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In an effort to find a negotiated settlement, Kenya has met leaders of the two main warring sides in Nairobi, both simultaneously and at separate intervals, in accordance with its unrivalled credentials for peaceful conflict mediation.
“Recently, some Sudanese nationals gathered in Nairobi to discuss issues affecting their country and adopted a roadmap. The convening of this dialogue forum in our capital, Nairobi, or elsewhere on Kenya’s territory, neither equates to endorsing any forum’s outcome nor constitutes the formation of an exile government as has been alleged,” the statement affirmed.
In an attempt to defend its image, Kenya implored the warring parties in Sudan to sit down and establish a pathway to peaceful resolution.
Diplomatic tension
RSF leaders and other like-minded factions converged in Nairobi and signed their roadmap. The move sparked a diplomatic firestorm, with key international players—including the United Nations, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and France—firmly rejecting the legitimacy of the initiative.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia specifically blasted Kenya, asking the government of the day to respect Sudan’s sovereignty.
However, Kenya remained bullish, insisting that Nairobi had been strategic in securing ceasefires in the past, insisting that it was pursuing the same strategy in addressing Sudan’s conflict.
Despite Kenya positing itself as a neutral arbiter in regional conflicts, it has continued to face backlash over the decision.