The Government of Sudan has officially banned the importation of Kenyan products into the country. This decision, announced on March 11, 2025, follows Kenya’s hosting of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies, who recently signed a pact to form a parallel government.
The Ministry of Trade and Supply of Sudan issued a directive suspending the importation of all Kenyan products through all ports, crossings, airports, and outlets. Acting Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali emphasized that the ban is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
“All concerned parties must implement the decision,” stated Minister Ali, reflecting the Sudanese government’s firm stance on the matter.
The decision follows the RSF’s negotiations in Nairobi, culminating in an agreement to establish a unity government in Sudan. The talks, held over four days at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), were attended by key stakeholders seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
However, Sudan views Kenya’s role in hosting these discussions as a direct act of hostility. The Sudanese Sovereign Council accused Nairobi of violating the principles of good neighborliness and breaching its commitment to non-interference in Sudanese affairs.
“Hosting leaders of the terrorist RSF militia and allowing them to conduct political and propaganda activities constitutes an endorsement of and complicity in these heinous crimes,” read a statement from Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement further asserted that Kenya’s actions contradict pledges made at the highest diplomatic levels to refrain from supporting hostile activities against Sudan.
The ban was enacted following a Cabinet resolution, with the Sudanese government insisting that Kenya has sponsored RSF activities. Sudan has also indicated that it will take further steps to protect its national security and sovereignty.
This move could have significant economic repercussions, as Kenya exports a range of goods to Sudan, including agricultural products and manufactured goods. The diplomatic standoff highlights the fragile nature of regional relations in East Africa and raises concerns over potential retaliatory measures from Kenya.
