Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi/FILE
Kenya has defended its decision to allow a sanctioned
Sudanese militia to hold a meeting in Nairobi.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups' tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi is compatible with Kenya's role in peace negotiation.
Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said Kenya is obligated to provide non-partisan platforms to conflict parties to seek resolutions.
“Kenya therefore reiterates its solidarity with the people of Sudan as they define their destiny and future political governance through inclusive dialogue. Kenya is confident that the Sudanese people will find a quick solution to the current situation, and in a manner that safeguards its security and that of the region,” he said.
In a statement to newsrooms, Mudavadi said Kenya remains ready, individually and collectively through IGAD, AU, and other regional mechanisms, to support any efforts agreed upon by the people of Sudan, in ensuring stability and prosperity of their country and the entire Horn of Africa region.
Mudavadi noted that Kenya has historically hosted refugees
and asylum seekers from conflict-affected countries in the region and beyond
and currently is home to several Sudanese refugees, particularly from civil
society groups, including the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces
(Tagaddum).
“Kenya has established a history of facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties from neighbouring and regional states including providing good offices that have seen peace agreements signed in Kenya,” he said.
He cited the globally acclaimed Machakos Protocol of 2002 that ended the Sudan II civil war, which was concluded in Kenya.
“When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior
motives. It is because we believe there is no military solution to political
disputes,” he explained.
He noted that it is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries.
“Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule,” he added.
The conflict in Sudan, which has dragged on for 24 months now, continues to devastate the nation.
An estimated 11 million people have been displaced, most of them children and women.
