This sweeping directive halts the entry of Kenyan goods through all ports, border crossings, and airports, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
The move follows the RSF’s recent declaration of a parallel government in Nairobi, a development strongly condemned by the African Union (AU) as a threat to Sudan’s unity.
Kenyan Journalist and Pan-African Political Commentator Alex Kiarie noted that Sudan’s action is likely a diplomatic retaliation against Kenya, as Khartoum seeks to underscore its discontent with Nairobi’s perceived role in the conflict.
Kenya’s exports to Sudan, primarily tea and coffee, were valued at approximately $38 million before the outbreak of conflict in 2022. Since then, trade has sharply declined, with the latest figures dropping to around $18 million.
Kiarie pointed out that Sudan’s import ban will further diminish trade relations, though its actual economic impact may be limited given the ongoing decline in trade volumes due to the conflict.
A key concern surrounding Kenya’s involvement is the RSF’s controversial history. The group originated from the Janjaweed militia, which was responsible for atrocities in Darfur, including the deaths of over 300 000 people.
Despite this, reports suggest that individuals with ties to Kenya’s government may have engaged in unofficial dealings with the RSF, particularly in the illicit gold trade. While the Kenyan government has not officially endorsed the RSF, its failure to explicitly condemn the group has raised suspicions of tacit support.
Beyond economic consequences, the import ban underscores a broader diplomatic breakdown within the East African region. With multiple conflicts brewing, including instability in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nairobi’s traditional role as a regional mediator is being called into question. The ban may signal a wider deterioration of diplomatic efforts to address the region’s security challenges.
Ultimately, Sudan’s decision highlights the fragile nature of East African geopolitics, with tensions continuing to rise amid unresolved conflicts and complex diplomatic entanglements.
--ChannelAfrica--
