28/05/2025
Kenya’s Neocolonial Continuity: From Kenyatta to Ruto, the Unbroken Chain of Foreign Meddling in Sudan
Historical Context: Foreign Interests in Sudan
While most people might attack the President for his involvement in the Sudan Genocide, it is factual that this is not the first time we've been involved in supporting genocide, especially in Sudan! Kenya has a history; let's first understand this history!
From the mid-20th century, Sudan's strategic location and resources attracted foreign interest. In the 1950s, Israeli officials viewed Sudan as a potential threat due to its alignment with Arab nations. A 2008 lecture by Avi Dichter, former Israeli Minister of Internal Security, highlighted Israeli concerns about Sudan becoming a strong Arab force, leading to efforts to exacerbate internal divisions.
The United States also engaged in Sudanese affairs, particularly during the Cold War, aiming to counter Soviet influence. Operations like "Operation Moses" in the 1980s, which involved the airlift of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel, were conducted with U.S. and Israeli collaboration, illustrating the deep involvement of these nations in Sudan's internal matters.
Kenya's Role: From Mediator to Participant
Kenya has historically positioned itself as a mediator in Sudanese conflicts, notably hosting peace talks leading to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. However, its actions have sometimes aligned with foreign interests. For instance, Kenya's support for the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) during the Second Sudanese Civil War aligned with U.S. and Israeli interests in weakening Sudan's central government.
In recent years, Kenya's hosting of Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders in Nairobi has drawn criticism. Sudan accused Kenya of hostility for allowing RSF activities, viewing it as support for a group implicated in human rights violations.
AFRICOM and Allegations Against Burkina Faso
Kenya's cooperation with the United States extends to military collaborations, including hosting U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) activities. General Michael Langley, head of AFRICOM, has accused Burkina Faso's interim President Ibrahim Traoré of misusing gold revenues to sustain military rule, rather than for public welfare. Critics argue that such allegations reflect a pattern of Western powers targeting African leaders who pursue policies independent of Western interests.
Traoré's government has taken steps to nationalize Burkina Faso's gold industry and reduce foreign control, actions that have been met with Western criticism. Observers suggest that the U.S. concerns may be more about Burkina Faso's shifting alliances, particularly with Russia and China, than about genuine governance issues.
Israel's Involvement in Sudan
Israel's engagement in Sudan has been multifaceted, involving both overt and covert operations. In 2009, Israel allegedly conducted airstrikes in Sudan targeting Iranian arms shipments destined for Gaza, indicating deep involvement in Sudanese affairs.
Efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Sudan have been ongoing, with significant developments in recent years. However, these efforts have been complicated by Sudan's internal conflicts and its historical stance against Israel.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Kenya's Foreign Policy
Kenya's historical and ongoing involvement in Sudan's internal affairs, often in concert with foreign powers, challenges its image as a neutral mediator. This trajectory suggests a need for critical reflection on the principles guiding Kenya's foreign policy, particularly regarding respect for sovereignty, commitment to peace, and resistance to neocolonial influences.
As regional dynamics evolve, Kenya faces a choice: continue aligning with external interests that may undermine African unity or reorient its foreign policy to prioritize genuine neutrality and support for self-determined peace processes.
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