Sudan Suspends Kenyan Imports

Sudan has officially suspended all imports from Kenya following Nairobi's decision to host leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is currently locked in a brutal civil war against the Sudanese army.

The move comes after RSF leaders and their allied political factions signed a charter in Kenya last month, vowing to establish a parallel government in Sudan.

In response, Sudan’s military government accused Kenya of threatening its sovereignty and announced an immediate ban on all Kenyan products, including tea, food items, and pharmaceuticals.

The Sudanese Ministry of Trade issued a decree instructing all ports, airports, and border crossings to halt the entry of Kenyan goods "until further notice."

The decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, as Kenya has long been one of Sudan's key trading partners, with tea being the primary export.

Experts warn that the ban will deal a severe blow to Kenya's economy, further disrupting the already declining tea exports, which have dropped by 12% over the past year due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Kenya has defended its role in hosting the RSF meetings, claiming it was part of efforts to find a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s two-year-long conflict.

However, Sudan views Kenya's actions as direct support for a rebel movement seeking to overthrow the government.

The Kenyan government has yet to officially respond to the import ban, but Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe recently stated that diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the trade standoff.

With over 12 million Sudanese displaced and the country’s infrastructure in ruins due to the war, this latest diplomatic fallout is expected to further destabilize the region and disrupt vital supply chains.