Nairobi, Kenya – April 23, 2025 — Tensions between Kenya and Sudan have flared following a formal diplomatic protest lodged by the Sudanese government, accusing Kenyan President William Ruto of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs. The letter, confirmed by Kenya’s Parliament on Tuesday, has raised regional concerns over sovereignty, mediation roles, and the fragile dynamics of East African diplomacy.

The Allegations

According to reports from Nairobi and Khartoum, the Sudanese government expressed strong disapproval of what it describes as “unwarranted and biased involvement” by President Ruto in Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict. The exact contents of the letter have not been made public, but sources within Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Committee say the protest centers on statements and actions taken by Ruto regarding Sudan’s peace process.

President Ruto has been vocal about the need for regional stability and has in the past expressed support for African-led solutions to conflicts like the civil unrest in Sudan. However, Sudanese authorities appear to interpret his recent involvement as partial and overreaching.

Kenya’s Response

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the receipt of the protest but maintained that President Ruto’s actions have been guided by Kenya’s long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability.

“Kenya’s role in Sudan is consistent with our regional obligations under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union,” a ministry spokesperson said. “We will continue to support peaceful dialogue in good faith.”

The issue is now before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations, which is expected to issue a formal response in the coming days.

Regional Implications

The diplomatic spat comes at a sensitive time for East Africa, where multiple nations are grappling with conflict, political transitions, and economic instability. Kenya has often positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes, leveraging its relative stability and diplomatic reach.

Observers worry that Sudan’s strong reaction could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in the region and complicate Kenya’s role as a neutral facilitator. It may also affect bilateral projects and trade relations between the two countries.

Sudan’s Internal Crisis

Sudan has been mired in internal conflict since the breakdown of a fragile power-sharing arrangement between military and civilian leaders in 2023. Attempts at negotiation have repeatedly faltered, with various factions accusing external actors of bias.

While President Ruto has advocated for African-led mediation efforts, Sudanese authorities now question Kenya’s impartiality—especially amid reports that Kenyan officials have met with opposition leaders and civil society groups linked to the resistance movement in Sudan.

What’s Next?

Diplomatic channels remain open, and both governments have signaled a willingness to avoid escalation. Analysts suggest that mediation by IGAD or the African Union may be needed to resolve the rift and refocus efforts on Sudan’s internal peace process.

For Kenya, this presents a test of its balancing act as both a regional leader and a neutral peace broker in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.