Sudan has threatened to ban the import of Kenyan products in response to Kenya hosting activities by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi, intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two East African nations.

Speaking at a press briefing on February 24, 2025, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein al-Amin condemned Kenya’s engagement with the RSF, accusing the Kenyan government of supporting a parallel administration to the Sudanese government.

“We will take economic actions, including banning the import of Kenyan products, especially since Sudan is one of Kenya’s largest tea importers,” al-Amin said.

He added that Sudan would escalate diplomatic measures and involve the African Union (AU) and other international organizations to protest Kenya’s “hostile positions” toward Sudan.

The diplomatic fallout follows Kenya’s facilitation of a founding charter signed in Nairobi between the RSF and other Sudanese political and armed groups to establish a “government of peace and unity.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, welcomed the move on February 23, describing it as an encouraging step toward restoring peace in Sudan.

“The Kenyan government is aware of the activities of the RSF and other Sudanese groups in Nairobi, and we see these efforts as crucial in achieving stability and democratic governance in Sudan,” Mudavadi stated.

However, Sudan views Kenya’s involvement as interference in its internal affairs.

Al-Amin emphasized that the move violates international laws, including those of the United Nations, the AU, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The RSF has been engaged in a bloody conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since mid-April 2023, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns.

Sudan’s government maintains that the RSF’s activities are illegitimate and accused Kenya of undermining regional peace efforts.

Tensions have escalated in recent days, with Sudan recalling its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, for consultations on February 20.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry stated that Kenya’s actions breached principles of good neighborliness and contravened assurances given by President William Ruto to prevent hostile activities against Sudan from being conducted on Kenyan soil.

The threat to cut off imports, particularly tea, could have significant economic implications.

Kenya is among the world’s leading tea exporters, with Sudan as a key market.

Trade relations between the two countries have generally remained strong despite occasional diplomatic disagreements.

The African Union has yet to comment on the unfolding diplomatic row, but regional observers warn that escalating tensions could undermine broader peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.