US Senator Accuses Kenya of Supporting Sudan’s RSF Amid Diplomatic Crisis
Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has accused the Kenyan government of enabling genocide by allowing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to establish a parallel government in Nairobi.
The RSF, a paramilitary group locked in a brutal civil war with Sudan’s national army, seeks control of the resource-rich nation. Senator Risch, in a statement on X, criticized President William Ruto’s administration for legitimizing the RSF.
“Last year, I led efforts in Congress to classify RSF-led atrocities in Sudan—resulting in over 150,000 deaths—as genocide. In January, the US officially adopted this stance,” Risch stated.
He added, “Now, Kenya—a key US ally—is helping RSF gain legitimacy under the guise of peacemaking. This attempt to cover up genocide is unacceptable and will not stop the killings.”
Human Rights Groups Demand RSF Expulsion from Kenya
Thirteen human rights organizations, led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), have called for the expulsion of all RSF members currently in Kenya.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, February 21, the groups urged the Kenyan government to retract its earlier endorsement of the RSF and issue a formal apology to the Sudanese people.
They also demanded that President Ruto cease involvement in Sudan peace talks, citing Kenya’s lack of neutrality.
“Kenya must immediately withdraw from the mediation process as it cannot serve as an impartial arbiter,” the statement read.
Kenya Faces Diplomatic Backlash Over RSF Meetings
The controversy erupted after Kenya was accused of allowing the RSF to form a breakaway government in Nairobi.
RSF leaders, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), have been meeting in Nairobi to establish a “Government of Peace and Unity” for regions under their control. They are expected to make an official announcement on Friday, following multiple postponements.
Sudan’s military government condemned Kenya’s actions, calling them a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty. In protest, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Nairobi and labeled Kenya’s support for RSF as “hostile.”
Although relations between Kenya and Sudan had been improving, tensions persist due to President Ruto’s perceived alliance with Hemedti.
Kenya Defends Its Role in Sudan Peace Efforts
Kenyan Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended Nairobi’s stance, stating, “Kenya remains committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.”
He added, “We stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people as they determine their future through inclusive dialogue.”
This statement is among those that the human rights groups demand be withdrawn.
List of Human Rights Organizations Calling for RSF Expulsion
The following organizations are pushing for Kenya to sever ties with the RSF:
- Africans for the Horn of Africa (Af4HA) Initiative
- Atrocities Watch Africa (AWA)
- Betty Kaare Murungi
- Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF)
- Gest Center for Development (GESR)
- Grace Agenda
- Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)
- Kenyans For Peace with Truth and Justice
- Kisumu CSO Network
- National Victims and Survivors Network
- Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
- The Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG)
- The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya)
As tensions rise, Kenya faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance on the Sudan conflict and its engagement with the RSF.
US Senator Accuses Kenya of Supporting Sudan’s RSF Amid Diplomatic Crisis
