Joint Statement: Kenya’s RSF ties undermine Sudan peace efforts
(ICJ Kenya)
The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) is a non-governmental, non-profit and a member-based organization. Established in 1959, ICJ Kenya is the only autonomous national section of ICJ based in Geneva, Switzerland.
On February 19, 2024, the Kenyan government, through the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, admitted to providing the RSF with a platform to convene in Nairobi and attempted to justify this decision. This move will undoubtedly strain the longstanding relationship between Sudan and Kenya.
The Kenyan government’s actions undermine international efforts—including those by civil society organizations—to promote peace, accountability, and justice. It also endangers Sudanese refugees in Kenya, as their tormentors, the RSF, are on the verge of forming an illegal government.
We appeal to the AU Peace and Security Council to urgently issue a strong statement:
Condemning any attempt by the warring parties to unilaterally declare a government in exile, which will undercut efforts to secure an inclusive peace agreement that will address Sudan’s multiple conflicts.
Urging all Sudanese actors and AU member States to abide by AU statements, including those affirming Sudan’s territorial integrity and the need for a political dialogue-based resolution of the conflict.
Urging stakeholders to refrain from unilateral acts that undermine peace and stability in Sudan.
We urgently call on the Kenyan government to immediately implement the following recommendations:
Immediately declare a persona non grata status to all members of the RSF currently convening in Kenya.
Immediately recall the statement issued by the Prime Cabinet Secretary confirming its support for the RSF and issue an unequivocal apology to the people of Sudan.
Uphold and respect the international obligations under the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Immediately refrain from engaging in the peace talks or mediation process regarding the conflict in Sudan because it fails to be an impartial arbiter.
We continue to express our full solidarity and support with the people of Sudan and will engage all possible mechanisms under national and international law in this long-term endeavor.
Signed
The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya (ICJ-Kenya)
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)
