In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Kenyan government of assisting the RSF, a paramilitary group engaged in a fierce power struggle with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has been labeled by Sudan as a "terrorist militia" and is under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses.

Sudan's government condemned what it called Kenya’s violation of international norms and demanded Nairobi recommit to the principle of non-interference. “Kenya must honour its obligations under the UN Charter, the AU Constitutive Act, and other regional protocols,” the statement said.

Allegations of Arms and Political Endorsement

Khartoum escalated its claims by stating that Kenyan-labeled weapons were recovered from RSF ammunition caches in Khartoum. The Foreign Ministry also accused Kenya of acting as a conduit for military support from the UAE to the RSF.

“What is more alarming is Kenya’s own involvement in supporting the terrorist Janjaweed militia,” the statement read, referring to RSF’s roots in Darfur's infamous militias. Khartoum further criticized Kenya for its perceived support of an RSF-proposed “Government of Peace,” calling it an illegitimate entity that threatens Sudan’s territorial unity.

Kenya Denies Involvement

Responding to the accusations, Kenya’s Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed the allegations as “false and misleading,” emphasizing that Kenya’s role in Sudan is within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace process.

“Kenya does not supply arms to any faction in Sudan,” Mwaura stated, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and citing a $2 million pledge in humanitarian aid to Sudan. Nairobi’s position, he insisted, is guided by respect for sovereignty and international law.

Mounting International Concern Over RSF

The accusations come amid growing international condemnation of the RSF. In January 2025, the U.S. government formally accused the RSF and allied militias of committing genocide in Darfur. Over 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, with millions displaced since the conflict reignited in 2023.

Khartoum has been particularly critical of Kenya’s hosting of RSF representatives in Nairobi in February, claiming it legitimized rebel narratives. Kenya, however, insists the meetings were part of its broader diplomatic efforts to help end the war.