Kenya halts diplomatic operations in Sudan due to security worries

Kenya has decided to halt its diplomatic operations in Sudan due to rising security concerns, the Kenyan mission in Khartoum has been closed amid reports that armed groups have been targeting diplomatic officials. The move comes in light of the ongoing infighting in Sudan, which has been causing widespread unrest and has disrupted the daily lives of many Sudanese citizens.
Korir SingOei, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement on Sunday. He stated that the Kenyan mission had remained open until now to facilitate the evacuation of Kenyans who remained in the country. However, due to the increasing security threats, the mission has been closed to ensure the safety of diplomatic officials.
“We continue to receive disturbing news of the targeting of diplomatic officials by armed groups in Khartoum, Sudan,” SingOei tweeted. “Kenya Mission in Khartoum, which had remained open to facilitate the evacuation of any Kenyans still in the country, is now closed.”SingOei added.
The decision to halt diplomatic operations in Sudan comes after weeks of fighting between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The infighting has caused widespread chaos and has hampered efforts to broker a humanitarian ceasefire.
Reports suggest that armed groups have been targeting diplomatic officials in Sudan, which has raised concerns about the safety of embassy staff members. The Kenyan authorities took the decision to close the mission in Khartoum to ensure the safety of their staff members.
Kenya has already rescued over 900 people as the fighting between Sudan’s generals continues. The move to halt diplomatic operations is a part of Kenya’s efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens and officials.
The situation in Sudan is extremely volatile, and the decision to halt diplomatic operations is a wise one. Kenya has taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens and officials, and other countries with missions in Sudan should consider doing the same.
The United States and Saudi Arabia are renewing efforts to bring an end to deadly fighting in Sudan, which has now entered its eighth week. The warring generals have agreed to multiple ceasefires, only to break them shortly after. As a result, last week, the United States imposed sanctions on both sides of the conflict, calling the bloodshed “appalling.”
Despite the collapse of negotiations for a ceasefire, Sudan’s regular army and paramilitary RSF have remained in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where foreign mediators are attempting to broker a resolution to the conflict. The foreign mediators have called for a new ceasefire that is agreed upon and effectively implemented, with the ultimate aim of achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The previous five-day extension of the US- and Saudi-brokered truce officially ended on Saturday. Unfortunately, there is no indication that the conflict will abate any time soon, with fears growing that the two sides are poised for an escalation.
The situation in Sudan is complex, and finding a lasting solution to the conflict will require a great deal of effort, patience, and cooperation from all parties involved. Sudan’s political landscape is in upheaval, following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in April. Since then, the Transitional Military Council  has been in control, but there have been mass protests and strikes demanding that the military transfer power to a civilian-led government.
The warring generals are aligned to opposing sides of Sudan’s political divide, with one side vying for a return to civilian rule and the other seeking to maintain military control. Sudanese citizens, who have already suffered greatly from months of unrest and violence, are calling for an end to the conflict and a return to normalcy.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have a crucial role to play in ending this conflict. As global superpowers, they have the influence and resources needed to help resolve this conflict. The two nations need to continue to put diplomatic pressure on the conflicting parties to find a peaceful resolution. They must also support initiatives aimed at rebuilding Sudan and restoring political stability to the country.