Sudan Recalls Nairobi Envoy over Rebel Leader Reception

Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Gubara on Thursday, frustrated by the reception accorded to the ex-Janjaweed commander, now RSF leader, Hamdan Dagalo during his Nairobi visit on Wednesday.

Dagalo was received by Kenyan high-ranking government and security officials on the airport tarmac.

A red carpet had been rolled out at the regal JKIA Presidential pavilion, complete with a troupe of dancers and cameras.

This VVIP treatment, way fancier than what Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan got, did likely stir up some drama from Sudan.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces leader was received by Kenya’s interior minister Kithure Kindiki, and Spy agency chief Nordin Haji.

At State House, Nairobi- the Kenyan leader embraced Dagalo, offering a friendly hug and a pat, dubbing him “my good brother” and welcoming him to his “other home”.

Sudanese foreign minister-designate, Ali Al Sadiq, confirmed the summoning of their envoy for consultations in protest against Nairobi’s action.

He further added that the consultation with their ambassador will cover all possibilities for the outcome of Sudan’s relations with Kenya, which since the conflict broke out, Nairobi has been continuing the rebellion and hosting its rebel leaders and supporters.

Ali claimed Kenya is conspiring with hostile regional powers against Sudan.

On Wednesday evening, a sudden cancellation of a press conference by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, in Nairobi sparked speculation about diplomatic tensions or a cautious approach by Nairobi.

International journalists, gathered for the event at an uptown Nairobi hotel , were initially informed of Dagalo’sabsence due to scheduling conflicts and later received an apology from an official.

“The General would have loved to address you here, but it is unfortunate that he has several meetings that will end up at midnight, yet he is expected to fly back very early tomorrow. We are sorry for not attending this presser,” said a Sudanese official.

Just after the canceled presser, Kenya’s spy agency chief Nordin Haji was seen at the hotel, where tight security measures were notably intensified to ensure the former Janjaweed commander was safe and secure.

There was heightened curiosity about the motives behind the sudden cancellation.

Kenya’s role in mediating the Sudanese conflict has faced challenges, with Sudan opposing Ruto’s appointment as head of the IGAD quartet.

President Ruto, in a cautiously worded statement, expressed optimism about the ongoing IGAD talks.

“Kenya appreciates the commitment by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, to ending the conflict in Sudan through dialogue.” The Kenyan leader posted on X.

The IGAD quartet, consisting of Kenya, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, faced resistance from Sudanese military ruler in accepting Ruto’s chairmanship.

Sudan accused Kenya of bias, leading to tensions within the regional mediation efforts.

Recently, IGAD pulled the plug on Ruto’s mediation show at Khartoum’s request, and tossed the mediation role back to the regional bloc and the African Union.

General Dagalo’s visit to Kenya follows two regional tours to Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

The discussions centered on the conflict’s latest developments and the RSF’s commitment to ending the historic suffering of the Sudanese people.

However, the RSF, accused of war crimes and sexual violence by rights groups, complicates the diplomatic landscape.

Human Rights Watch documented numerous instances of rape and war crimes during RSF’s attacks in the Darfur region.