Sudan bans Kenyan imports indefinitely for hosting RSF

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).