Kenya demands African-led peace as Sudan crisis deepens

Kenya has welcomed the latest diplomatic efforts to end the war in Sudan, expressing strong support for the Quad’s joint initiative while stressing the need for an African-led peace process.
In a statement issued Monday, 15 September 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi, the government described the Quad’s position, shared by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, as a positive step that should be embraced by all parties to the conflict in Sudan.
Kenya’s position reflects its growing leadership in regional peace diplomacy. “Kenya underscores the need to harmonise the various peace tracks into an African-led process, firmly supported by the international community,” the statement read in part.
Nairobi emphasised that the crisis in Sudan, now in its third year, cannot be resolved through military means. Instead, it urged dialogue between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alongside civilian and community stakeholders.
“There can be no military solution to the conflict,” the Ministry said, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to political dialogue and regional stability.
Kenya also aligned itself with the Quad’s proposed nine-month timeline for a transition to civilian rule. Nairobi insisted that the process must be inclusive, transparent, and Sudanese-owned, leading to the establishment of a civilian-led government with broad legitimacy.
People gather in the Sudanese town of Wadi Halfa bordering Egypt on May 4, 2023, AFP via Getty Images]
Humanitarian role through the Kenyan territory
Kenya pledged to continue facilitating the delivery of humanitarian supplies through its borders to assist the millions of Sudanese civilians affected by the conflict. The United Nations estimates that more than 25 million Sudanese require humanitarian assistance, while 9 million have been displaced, including 2 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.
“The urgency of addressing the unprecedented humanitarian crisis can not be overstated,” the government said, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow relief access.
The country’s humanitarian contribution has drawn praise from international agencies. “Kenya’s role as a corridor for aid is vital at this moment,” said William Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). “Regional cooperation is the only way millions of Sudanese will survive this crisis.”
Tame extremist groups
Kenya’s also raised alarm about extremist groups exploiting Sudan’s instability and warned against external military support that fuels the war. It further rejected any attempts to fragment Sudan’s territory.
“Kenya firmly rejects any attempts to balkanise or split sovereign states,” the statement asserted.
“Kenya remains committed to working with regional and global partners to help the Sudanese people achieve lasting peace, stability, and democratic governance,” the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said.
With fighting still raging in Khartoum and Darfur, Kenya’s insistence on an African-owned peace process reflects its belief that stability in Sudan is vital for the entire region. As Nairobi strengthens its role in diplomacy and humanitarian relief, the spotlight now turns to whether its call for unity can break the cycle of violence next door.