Kenya’s Legacy and Its Relationship with the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan: All the Light We Cannot See!

Dr. Amjad Farid Al-Tayeb

Kenya has long been a symbol of Africa’s struggle for liberation, but today, it stands at a crossroads that threatens its historical legacy. Once a beacon of solidarity with independence movements, Kenya now finds itself entangled in an alliance that endangers its moral standing. Under President William Ruto, Kenya has deviated from its Pan-Africanist principles by aligning itself with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, effectively siding with the neo-colonial agendas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sudan. This shift not only undermines Sudan’s sovereignty but also raises questions about Kenya’s commitment to the African Union’s principles and the liberation of the continent.

Kenya’s Pan-African Legacy: Principles at Stake

Kenya’s contribution to Africa’s liberation struggles is not just a chapter in its history; it is the foundation of its standing on the continent. Since the mid-20th century, Kenya has served as a refuge for independence fighters, a hub for Pan-African dialogue, and a force against colonialism. Nairobi was the heart of revolutionary thought, hosting liberation leaders and political exiles. Kenya’s founding president, Jomo Kenyatta, embodied this commitment—not only securing Kenya’s independence in 1963 but also supporting other African nations in their struggles for freedom.

When Kenya co-founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, it solidified its role as a defender of African nations’ sovereignty. The OAU’s principles—later adopted by the African Union (AU)—were designed to shield the continent from external interference and internal divisions, the very threats now ravaging Sudan. Yet today, Kenya risks betraying this legacy by legitimizing a militia responsible for horrific atrocities against the Sudanese people in service of foreign agendas. How can a nation that once championed Africa’s independence now grant diplomatic legitimacy to a military entity implicated in internationally documented crimes?

The RSF and the UAE’s Colonial Project in Sudan

Sudan is currently embroiled in a devastating war between its armed forces and the RSF militia, which, since April 15, 2023, has unleashed a brutal campaign of violence from Darfur to Khartoum. This campaign has resulted in ethnic massacres, systematic sexual violence, and the forced displacement of millions of Sudanese people. In December 2024, the U.S. government officially recognized the atrocities committed by the RSF as genocide, underscoring the scale of the crimes being committed.

At the heart of this catastrophe lies the UAE, a key player providing continuous strategic support to the RSF as part of its colonial ambitions in Sudan. U.S. lawmakers have pointed out that ongoing Emirati backing of the militia is a major factor prolonging the war. In January 2024, an independent UN expert panel documented the UAE’s role in supplying the RSF with weapons, funding, and logistical support. Independent media investigations further confirmed that the UAE’s strategy aims to establish economic and geopolitical dominance over Sudan. This is not just an assertion of external influence but a systematic effort to strip Sudan of its sovereignty, mirroring historical patterns of colonial exploitation.

Kenya’s Dangerous Shift: From Liberation Leader to Intervention Tool

Under President Ruto, Kenya’s foreign policy has veered away from its historical role in championing justice and human rights. Instead of condemning the RSF’s atrocities, Kenya has granted the militia diplomatic recognition, treating it as a legitimate political entity while ignoring its record of ethnic cleansing, mass sexual violence, and systematic looting.

The most alarming development occurred on February 18, 2025, when Kenya hosted the announcement of a new RSF alliance—a move designed to solidify the militia’s grip on Sudanese territory and lay the groundwork for a parallel government. This maneuver was intended to bypass growing international pressure on the UAE for its support of the RSF by creating a façade that allows continued military and logistical assistance, thereby prolonging the war. To conceal its involvement, the UAE avoided making the announcement from Abu Dhabi, instead positioning Kenya as the front for this initiative.

This move represents a blatant violation of Sudan’s unity and sets the stage for a repeat of the Libyan and Yemeni scenarios, where the UAE played a pivotal role in their fragmentation. It also undermines the core principles of the African Union, which was established to protect African nations from foreign interference and internal disintegration. Kenya’s actions are not merely a betrayal of its historical principles but active complicity in the disintegration of another African nation, jeopardizing the stability of the entire Horn of Africa.

A Defining Moment: Choosing Between Principles and Opportunism

Kenya now stands at a historic juncture that will define its legacy for future generations. Governments change, but nations do not forget. Will Kenya be remembered as a nation that contributed to Sudan’s fragmentation, or as a faithful ally of the Sudanese people in their struggle for peace and sovereignty?

The implications of this decision extend beyond Sudan. Kenya’s stance will shape its position within Africa and its credibility in the African Union. At a time when international institutions are failing to address global conflicts, taking a principled stand is a necessity, not a choice. Prioritizing short-term interests over foundational principles only leads to a world ruled by chaos and insecurity—consequences that Kenya itself will not be immune to. Only moral courage, however difficult, can illuminate the path to a more stable and just future.

True leadership demands ethical bravery—the kind Kenya embodied during Jomo Kenyatta’s era when it stood for Africa’s liberation. With its proud history, Kenya is far greater than being a mere tool in the UAE’s colonial agenda in the region.

Expecting Kenya to play a constructive role in resolving Sudan’s crisis is not an unreasonable hope—it aligns with its legacy. To uphold this history, Kenya must reject the UAE and RSF’s divisive agenda and reaffirm its commitment to Sudan’s unity. Diplomatic rhetoric will not mask the real cost of deviating from the moral path.

History will not judge Kenya by the interests of its current leaders but by the lasting consequences of their choices. Allowing external powers to use Sudan as an unchecked battleground for influence will only lead to a darker future—not just for Sudan but for Africa and the world.

The stakes have never been higher—for Sudan, for Africa, and for Kenya’s moral standing. Kenya must choose wisely—otherwise, it risks losing the respect and position it has earned throughout its history.

Republished from “Africa Report”