PORT SUDAN, Sudan
The government of Sudan has suspended all imports from Kenya following the latter's decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group currently fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country.
President William Ruto (right) when he held talks with the leader of Rapid Support Forces Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo at State House, Nairobi |
In a notice issued on
Thursday, Sudan announced the immediate restriction of all imports from Kenya,
barring entry via ports, railways, and air transport.
"The import of all
products from Kenya via all ports, crossings, airports, and entry points is
suspended starting from this date until further notice," read part of the
letter by Sudan's Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed
Ali.
The Acting Minister stated
that the decision was due to Kenya's defiant act of hosting and sponsoring the
rebel group in Nairobi, adding that the move was aimed at protecting Sudan’s
national interests and security.
According to Omar, the decree
will remain in effect until further notice, with the minister directing all
relevant authorities within Sudan's territory to enforce the ban immediately.
However, despite the ban,
which came into effect yesterday, President William Ruto’s administration is
yet to respond to the matter. Sudan imports several products from Kenya,
including agricultural goods such as tea, food items, and pharmaceutical products.
The RSF, alongside other rebel groups, signed a political charter on February 22, in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to form a parallel administration to that of the Sudanese government.
Military officers belonging to the Rapid Support Forces |
Two days after the signing of
the charter, Sudan's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein Al Fadil
issued a statement warning
about the potential ban on Kenya's imports.
During the press conference
held on February 24, Al Fadil also stated that Sudan would be submitting a
formal complaint to the African Union and other international organisations,
urging them to take stern action against Kenya.
"This is due to the
interference in Sudan's internal affairs and the hosting of events for the
terrorist RSF militia and its allies, which target Sudan's security, stability,
and unity," said Fadil.
"The measures will be
progressive and incremental, and the Sudanese government is also considering
economic sanctions, including a ban on Kenyan imports," he added.
Al Fadil also noted that
President Ruto's
actions contradicted the international charters and agreements
including those of the United Nations, the African Union and the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
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