Mudavadi denies Nairobi backing Sudan's RSF

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on March 19, 2025 [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended Kenya's role in Sudan's fragile peace talks, denying claims that Nairobi is backing a parallel government led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, Mudavadi responded to mounting criticism over Kenya's involvement with RSF, where the RSF and allied civilian groups launched a controversial Charter that some claim is a blueprint for a breakaway government. "Kenya has not, at any time, facilitated the formation of a parallel government. We have never supported a government in exile. We are not here to divide Sudan," he said. "What happened in Nairobi was a conversation among Sudanese civilians and political groups, including those aligned to RSF. They had their own discussion, yes, but if you look at the Charter, there is nowhere that a parallel government is declared." His remarks follow backlash over a March 4 meeting in Nairobi, where RSF-linked groups launched a charter that critics say could deepen Sudan's political fracture. The African Union's Peace and Security Council warned that Kenya's involvement risked further destabilising the country. The Foreign Affairs CS maintained that Nairobi's conference intention is to provide a neutral venue for dialogue. "We are creating space for civil society, for the ordinary Sudanese voice, so they too can be part of their country's healing," he added. Tensions have risen within Kenya's political circles as well. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua last week accused President William Ruto of secretly backing RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, through illicit gold trade. Gachagua alleged the proceeds were funding RSF operations. "The real commander of RSF is not Hemedti, it is William Ruto. The money from gold is being cleaned through Kenya to buy firearms," Gachagua said in an interview with KTN. Mudavadi dismissed the claims as politically motivated. "The former DP has his own grievances. He was impeached. Let's not drag him into this," he said. Despite the growing diplomatic strain, including Sudan's recent ban on Kenyan tea imports, Mudavadi called for calm. "That's a trade issue, not a political one. Even as they take that position, we're not cutting off humanitarian supplies. Nairobi continues to be a hub for humanitarian operations in Sudan. We're not going to stop delivering essentials," he explained. The CS insisted that Kenya will continue to play its longstanding role as a peace broker in the region. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended Kenya's role in Sudan's fragile peace talks, denying claims that Nairobi is backing a parallel government led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, Mudavadi responded to mounting criticism over Kenya's involvement with RSF, where the RSF and allied civilian groups launched a controversial Charter that some claim is a blueprint for a breakaway government. "Kenya has not, at any time, facilitated the formation of a parallel government. We have never supported a government in exile. We are not here to divide Sudan," he said. "What happened in Nairobi was a conversation among Sudanese civilians and political groups, including those aligned to RSF. They had their own discussion, yes, but if you look at the Charter, there is nowhere that a parallel government is declared." His remarks follow backlash over a March 4 meeting in Nairobi, where RSF-linked groups launched a charter that critics say could deepen Sudan's political fracture. The African Union's Peace and Security Council warned that Kenya's involvement risked further destabilising the country. The Foreign Affairs CS maintained that Nairobi's intention is to provide a neutral venue for dialogue. "We are creating space for civil society, for the ordinary Sudanese voice, so they too can be part of their country's healing," he added. Tensions have risen within Kenya's political circles as well. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua last week accused President William Ruto of secretly backing RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, through illicit gold trade. Gachagua alleged the proceeds were funding RSF operations. "The real commander of RSF is not Hemedti, it is William Ruto. The money from gold is being cleaned through Kenya to buy firearms," Gachagua said in an interview with KTN. Mudavadi dismissed the claims as politically motivated. "The former DP has his own grievances. He was impeached. Let's not drag him into this," he said. Despite the growing diplomatic strain, including Sudan's recent ban on Kenyan tea imports, Mudavadi called for calm. "That's a trade issue, not a political one. Even as they take that position, we're not cutting off humanitarian supplies. Nairobi continues to be a hub for humanitarian operations in Sudan. We're not going to stop delivering essentials," he explained. The CS insisted that Kenya will continue to play its longstanding role as a peace broker in the region.

Mudavadi denies Nairobi backing Sudan's RSF

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