Sudan Bans Kenyan Imports in Diplomatic Fallout Over RSF Hosting

Sudan has announced a complete suspension of imports from Kenya following the hosting of paramilitary leaders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. The RSF, engaged in a protracted civil war against the Sudanese army, recently signed a founding charter in Kenya aimed at establishing a parallel government in Sudan.

The Sudanese military government justified the import ban as a measure to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the country’s security. A decree from Sudan’s Ministry of Trade specified that “the import of all products coming from Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and ports will be suspended as of this day until further notice,” directing all relevant authorities to enforce the ban immediately.

This decision marks a continuation of escalating tensions between Kenya and Sudan, which have been brewing for several months. Kenyan President William Ruto has faced domestic backlash for his perceived alignment with the RSF, leading to Sudan recalling its ambassador to Kenya in protest against what it described as Nairobi’s involvement in a “conspiracy to establish a government” for the RSF. Sudan condemned Kenya’s hosting of RSF meetings as “tantamount to an act of hostility.”

In defense of its actions, Kenya stated that facilitating these meetings was part of broader efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, asserting that it had no ulterior motives. Historically, the two countries have maintained strong trade relations, with Kenya being a vital partner for Sudan in agriculture and manufacturing.

Kenya’s exports to Sudan are significant, particularly in tea, which constitutes the largest share, followed by coffee, tobacco, and various manufactured goods, including soaps and pharmaceuticals. The import ban is anticipated to severely disrupt trade flows, impacting Kenya’s economy and foreign exchange earnings. Economists warned that the measures would have broader repercussions, stating, “This ban will be a big blow, and foreign exchange will take a hit.”

The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) has voiced concerns regarding ongoing contracts and shipments caught in transit due to the ban. “Teas are currently at Port Sudan, and several containers already dispatched are now stranded in the high seas,” the association noted, highlighting the plight of large stocks in Mombasa that cannot be shipped out.

In a bid to reassure Kenyan exporters, RSF advisor El Basha Tebeig announced on social media that the group would “guarantee the smooth passage of Kenyan goods into Sudan” in areas under its control. However, with Port Sudan currently held by the army and serving as the headquarters for the military government, the situation remains precarious.

While the Kenyan government has yet to officially respond to the ban, Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe recently indicated that diplomatic channels are being explored to address the challenges faced by Kenyan exporters in Sudan. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has already severely impacted trade, causing a reported 12% decrease in Kenyan tea exports to Sudan over the past year.

As violence continues to ravage parts of Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, with thousands of lives lost and over 12 million people displaced, according to United Nations estimates. The ongoing turmoil has further damaged critical infrastructure, obstructing trade routes and supply chains essential for both nations.