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In a diplomatic move underscoring rising tensions, Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Nairobi in protest against Kenyan President William Ruto's facilitation of talks with paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The acting foreign minister of Sudan, Ali al-Sadiq, announced the decision, emphasizing the dissatisfaction with Kenya's official reception for Daglo, who leads forces engaged in a prolonged conflict with Sudan's regular army under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since April.
Daglo's diplomatic tour, his first abroad since the conflict's outbreak, has taken him to several African capitals, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Currently in South Africa, his engagements have raised the ire of Al-Burhan's administration, which has witnessed territorial losses to the paramilitaries in recent months and seeks to prevent their gaining international legitimacy.
The recall of the Sudanese ambassador, as conveyed through a statement on the official SUNA news agency, signifies Sudan's strong objection to the official reception extended to the rebel militia leader. Ali al-Sadiq stated that the recalled ambassador would engage in consultations, addressing "all possibilities for the outcome of Sudan's relations with Kenya."
The diplomatic fallout reflects the intricate dynamics of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region. As Sudan grapples with internal strife, the international response to the rival factions becomes a critical component, with repercussions extending beyond national borders. The recall serves as a tangible manifestation of Sudan's discontent with Kenya's engagement with a key figure in the ongoing conflict.
