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0 The move comes after the RSF and several Sudanese political groups signed an agreement in Kenya on February 22 to form a separate government opposing Sudanese authorities.
Sudan’s leaders strongly opposed this and accused Kenya of helping the RSF take political control, local reports indicate.
The Sudanese government announced the ban on March 13, saying it was a response to Kenya hosting meetings of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies.
Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, signed the order, which applies to all goods coming from Kenya by land, sea, and air.
The government said the ban is necessary to protect Sudan’s national security and will remain in place until further notice. Officials were told to enforce the ban immediately.
Sudan relies on Kenya for many imports, including tea, food, and medicine. The trade ban is likely to affect businesses in both countries.
Two days before the agreement was signed, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya in protest. But Kenya has defended itself, saying it only hosted the meetings to help find a peaceful solution to Sudan’s war, with support from the United Nations and the African Union.
The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF started in April 2023.
More than 20,000 people have died, and 14 million have been forced to flee their homes, according to the UN.
Some studies suggest the real death toll could be much higher, possibly around 130,000.
The fighting has now spread to most parts of Sudan, and the situation is getting worse. The UN and other international groups have warned that millions of people are at risk of starvation as food supplies run out.
