Sudan Recalls Ambassador from Nairobi in Protest of Talks with Paramilitary Commander
Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Nairobi in protest at Kenyan President William Ruto’s hosting of talks with paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The acting foreign minister of Sudan, Ali Al-Sadiq, made the announcement, stating that 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.”
Dagalo, whose forces have been engaged in a conflict with the regular army led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan since April, has been touring African capitals on his first visit abroad since the conflict began. He has already visited Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya, and is currently in South Africa. This has angered Burhan, who is eager to deny the paramilitaries international legitimacy as his administration has lost ground to them in recent months.
Ties between Burhan and the Kenyan government have been strained for months as Nairobi seeks to maintain communication with Dagalo in order to mediate in the conflict. However, the Sudanese army chief warned on January 1 that African governments hosting visits by “these killers” were “making themselves a partner in the murder of the Sudanese people.”
The war between the regular army and the paramilitaries has resulted in the deaths of over 12,190 people, according to estimates from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Additionally, more than seven million people have been forced to flee their homes, according to UN figures. Mediation efforts have largely stalled due to deep animosity between the rival generals.
While Burhan’s administration continues to release statements as the Sudanese government, Dagalo’s Rapid Support Forces control the streets of Khartoum, as well as nearly all of Darfur and a significant portion of the central state of Al-Jazira, which was Sudan’s pre-war breadbasket.
The recall of the Sudanese ambassador from Nairobi is a significant move that highlights the growing tensions between Sudan and Kenya. It is a clear indication of Sudan’s dissatisfaction with Kenya’s willingness to engage with Dagalo, who is seen by Burhan’s administration as a rebel leader.
Sudan’s decision to recall its ambassador for consultations suggests that it is considering its options regarding its relations with Kenya. This move could potentially lead to a deterioration of diplomatic ties between the two countries if the situation is not resolved.
The conflict in Sudan has had devastating consequences for the country and its people. The high death toll and the displacement of millions of people have created a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and resolution.
Efforts to mediate in the conflict have been largely unsuccessful due to the deep animosity between the rival factions. The international community must step up its efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the affected population.
In conclusion, Sudan’s recall of its ambassador from Nairobi in protest at talks with paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo reflects the growing tensions between Sudan and Kenya. The conflict in Sudan has had devastating consequences, and it is crucial for the international community to prioritize efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.