Kenya has welcomed a new round of international consultations on Sudan, backing a call from the “Quad” — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States — for urgent action to end the war that has torn the country apart.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged regional and global powers to unite behind an African-led process. “Most significantly, Kenya underscores the need to harmonise the various peace tracks into an African-led process, firmly supported by the international community,” the ministry said.
The conflict between Sudan’s army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered its third year, driving millions from their homes and creating what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Kenya said it supports the Quad’s efforts to consolidate peace talks but stressed that political solutions must take priority over military action. “We emphasize the primacy of political solutions and continue to advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement added.
Nairobi also repeated its demand that outside powers stop supplying arms to Sudan’s warring sides, warning that such support only fuels extremism and destabilises the wider region. The government said it remained committed to facilitating humanitarian aid through its borders.
The Quad has proposed a nine-month timetable for a political transition, aimed at bringing Sudan’s rival forces to the table and laying the groundwork for a new government. Yet progress remains fragile.
On the ground, conditions are worsening. In al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, fighting has raged since May 2024 as the RSF tries to entrench its hold over Darfur. The group announced the formation of a “parallel government” last month and has already begun appointing ministers.
Almost half a million people have fled al-Fashir since the violence erupted, according to U.N. estimates, while 270,000 remain trapped in the city. Aid agencies warn of famine spreading across much of Sudan as fighting cuts off access to food and medicine.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has previously argued that without coordinated diplomacy, Sudan risks collapsing further into chaos. Analysts say Kenya’s role within IGAD and its influence in the Horn of Africa could help steer peace talks, but only if regional and global powers align behind one process.
For now, the path to peace remains uncertain. The Quad’s call has raised hopes of a breakthrough, but the fighting shows little sign of easing.
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