Kenya’s recent diplomatic actions, particularly its engagement with RSF leader Hemedti and the M23 rebels, signal a departure from its historical role as a neutral mediator. Sudan’s accusations against Kenya as a ‘rogue state’ underscore the growing international concern over its support for groups involved in serious human rights violations. Kenya’s human rights record further compounds these issues, suggesting a shift towards increased isolation on the global stage.
The recent arrival of Kenyan Vice President Kithure Kindiki at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he welcomed Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the leader of the RSF militia, has ignited a diplomatic dispute. Sudan has accused Kenya of an “irresponsible stance” in supporting the RSF, which the United Nations has implicated in serious human rights violations. As a response, Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya and criticized the country’s actions as placing it in the “category of a rogue state.”
Since April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army have been locked in a devastating civil war that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 12.5 million people. The United States and the United Nations have imposed sanctions on both factions for their involvement in these atrocities. In February 2024, Kenya hosted RSF leaders in Nairobi, facilitating the signing of a charter to establish a parallel government in Sudan, a move condemned by various stakeholders, including the U.S. and U.N.
Despite the backlash, Kenya asserts that it remains neutral, citing its role as a facilitator of peace in the region. In a statement, Kenyan officials emphasized their commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. However, the U.S. State Department has expressed distress over the RSF’s actions, calling the formation of a parallel government detrimental to peace and stability.
Kenya’s involvement in regional conflicts is not limited to Sudan, as demonstrated by its hosting of the M23 rebel group from the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2023. This move faced strong objections from the DRC, resulting in the expulsion of Kenyan troops and a boycott by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi of a summit chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Human rights organizations have criticized Kenya for breaching international human rights standards. They have documented instances where the Kenyan government has abducted opposition leaders and asylum-seekers, transferring them to authoritarian nations where they face the threat of persecution. Examples include the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in November 2023 and the repatriation of four asylum-seekers to Turkey in October 2023.
In summary, Kenya’s reputation as a mediator in regional disputes is increasingly tarnished due to its perceived partisan involvement in conflicts such as those in Sudan and the DRC. Furthermore, its human rights violations amplify concerns regarding its adherence to international norms. Actions like supporting the RSF and hosting the M23 rebels signify a notable shift from diplomatic integrity and have led some analysts to classify Kenya as a rogue state.
The continuing involvement of Kenya in regional conflicts has led to significant diplomatic repercussions, marking a departure from its previously held neutral position. Accusations against the Kenyan government regarding its support for the RSF and the M23 rebel group illustrate a troubling trend that raises questions about its commitment to international law and human rights. Consequently, Kenya faces growing isolation on the global stage, as its actions increasingly align with those of a rogue state.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
