Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied movements have signed a historic charter in Nairobi, marking a pivotal step toward establishing a government of peace and unity. The signing, which took place late Saturday, brought together various political and armed groups, including prominent leaders Abdelaziz al-Hilu, al-Hadi Idris, and Ibrahim al-Mirghani.
The newly formed coalition aims to create a government structured into three levels: a Sovereignty Council, a Council of Ministers, and a legislative body representing all sectors of Sudanese society. The official announcement of the government’s formation is expected to take place within Sudan in the coming days. According to the signatories, the charter is a commitment to ending the war and achieving stability, rather than dividing the country.
In light of this development, Kenya on Wednesday remained unapologetic for hosting the Rapid Paramilitary Forces (RSF), the group at war with Sudanese Armed Forces for close to two years, stating that Nairobi hosting the group was the first step in supporting peace efforts in Sudan and cited its long history in conflict mediation on the continent.
Kenya refuted accusations that it had violated Sudan’s sovereignty, arguing that it was providing a non-partisan platform for affected parties. “When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior motives,” said Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, in a statement.
He said that Kenya remains committed to working with regional bodies, including the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to support Sudanese-led efforts toward stability.
He cited the globally acclaimed Machakos Protocol of 2002 that ended the Sudan II civil war, which was concluded in Kenya.
“Kenya has a long history of providing platforms for peace negotiations without taking sides,” he said.
Mudavadi argued that Kenya’s actions were in line with its broader role in peace negotiations and its commitment to supporting Sudan in finding a resolution to its ongoing political crisis.
“We note that this is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries. Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule,” Mudavadi said.
Sudanese armed groups and civil movements have previously met in Juba, as well as Addis Ababa, for discussions that didn’t lead to any deal.
As RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo led the Sudanese delegation in Nairobi, expectations are high for a major announcement in the coming days. The RSF and its allies remain confident that the charter will pave the way for a peaceful transition and a new era of governance in Sudan. Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with growing regional pressure to find a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.