Published: 09:56, January 5, 2024 | Updated: 11:20, January 5, 2024
Sudan recalls envoy from Kenya over rebel forces leader reception
By Xinhua

Sudan's paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo speaks in the capital Khartoum on Dec 5, 2022. (PHOTO / AFP)

KHARTOUM/UNITED NATIONS - Sudan on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Kenya in protest against the official reception for Commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the official SUNA news agency reported.

"Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Nairobi for consultations, in protest against the official reception organized by the Kenyan government for the commander of the rebel militia when he visited Kenya Yesterday (Wednesday)," Sudan's acting Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq was quoted as saying in a statement.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15 More than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December

"Nairobi has forgotten the terrible violations committed by the rebel forces, and the destruction they caused to the country's infrastructure, capabilities, and citizens' property," Al-Sadiq said.

ALSO READ:Thousands flee as RSF enters Sudan's aid hub Wad Madani

The Sudanese top diplomat also accused Kenya of supporting and hosting the rebel leaders and supporters, "in addition to conspiring with hostile regional powers against Sudan."

On Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto received Dagalo in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, as part of Dagalo's external tour which included Uganda, Ethiopia, and Djibouti.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15. More than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to a statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in early December.

ALSO READ:Sudan's army chief demands paramilitary forces' withdrawal

On Thursday, UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths called for international actions to stop the fighting in Sudan.

Nearly nine months of war have tipped Sudan into a downward spiral that only grows more ruinous by the day. As the conflict spreads, human suffering is deepening, humanitarian access is shrinking, and hope is dwindling. This cannot continue, said Griffiths in a statement.

"2024 demands that the international community, particularly those with influence on the parties to the conflict in Sudan, take decisive and immediate action to stop the fighting and safeguard humanitarian operations meant to help millions of civilians," he said.