Sudan bans all imports from Kenya over RSF meetings, citing national security concerns, as war continues with rising casualties and humanitarian crisis.

Sudan has announced a ban on all imports from Kenya, citing Kenya’s role in hosting meetings involving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies.

The decision was formalized in a decree issued on Thursday by Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, as reported by the official Sudanese News Agency (SUNA). The decree states that the suspension is in line with Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2024, which mandates the cessation of all imports from Kenya through ports, border crossings, airports, and other entry points.

According to the ministerial statement, the import ban is a direct response to Kenya’s sponsorship of RSF activities and meetings. Sudan’s government views this as a threat to its national interests and security. The ban is set to remain in place indefinitely.

The directive orders all relevant authorities to enforce the restriction immediately. So far, the Kenyan government has not issued an official response.

Sudan imports several key products from Kenya, including tea, food items, and pharmaceutical supplies.

The ban follows Kenya’s role in facilitating political engagements involving the RSF and Sudanese political and armed groups. On February 22, these factions signed a political charter in Kenya, aiming to form a parallel government in opposition to Sudanese authorities. The Sudanese government strongly objected to Kenya’s involvement, accusing it of supporting efforts to establish a rival administration.

Two days prior, on February 20, Sudan escalated its protest by recalling its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, in response to the ongoing discussions.

Kenya, however, has defended its position, stating that it is working in coordination with the United Nations and the African Union to facilitate dialogue and find solutions to end the conflict in Sudan.

Since April 2023, Sudan’s army and the RSF have been engaged in a brutal war that has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities. Some unofficial sources suggest the death toll may have reached 130,000.

International and UN agencies continue to call for an end to the conflict, warning of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe as millions face starvation and death due to severe food shortages.