The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday that it had recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jubbara, in protest against the official reception hosted by the Kenyan government for Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on Wednesday.
In a statement carried by the official SUNA news agency, Sudan’s acting foreign minister Ali al-Sadiq said the ambassador had been recalled “for consultations in protest of the official reception organized by the Kenyan government for the leader of the rebel militia.”
President William Ruto engaged in discussions with the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader as part of regional diplomatic endeavors to establish a ceasefire in the domestic conflict.
“The ongoing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) talks should bring about a political settlement that would effect lasting peace in the country. We are looking forward to nothing but a peaceful resolution and a stable neighbor,” President Ruto said.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq, however, condemned the visit, stating that Kenya has failed to acknowledge the “terrible abuses” committed by the RSF, including the destruction of infrastructure, the country’s capabilities, and civilians’ property.
He said that the consultations with the ambassador would explore all possible avenues regarding the future of Sudan’s relations with “Kenya, which has been accused of supporting the rebellion in Sudan, hosting its leaders and supporters, and conspiring with hostile regional powers against Sudan.”
Daglo has been seen touring African capitals over the past few days and has so far met with the leaders of Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Africa.
He received official receptions with a guard of honors at the Addis Ababa airport, while he was welcomed with traditional dances at Nairobi airport before meeting President William Ruto at the presidential palace.
Prior to this incident, Sudan’s Sovereign Council President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had warned against treating the commander of the RSF, which is engaged in hostilities against the Sudanese army, as a legitimate representative of the Sudanese state. He had also stated that Sudan would take “appropriate measures” in response to such a reception.
Sudan had already rejected Kenya’s chairmanship of an IGAD quartet group tasked with the resolution of the Sudanese conflict. The military-led government said that Ruto had a business relationship with Hemedti and that he was not neutral.
