Sudan has announced a complete suspension of all imports from Kenya in protest against Nairobi’s engagement with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), currently engaged in a two-year civil war with the Sudanese army.

The decision follows a recent meeting in Kenya, where the RSF and its allied political and armed groups signed a founding charter expressing their intention to establish a parallel government in Sudan.

In response, Sudan's military government issued a decree banning the import of all Kenyan products through its ports, airports, and border crossings, citing concerns over national security and sovereignty.

The suspension threatens significant trade relations between the two countries. Kenya exports various goods to Sudan, including tea, food products, and pharmaceuticals. Tea, a crucial foreign exchange earner for Kenya, is expected to be particularly affected, with traders and producers expressing concerns over economic losses.

The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) warned that shipments are already stuck at Port Sudan, while containers in transit remain stranded at sea. Stocks in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa are also unable to be shipped, exacerbating financial losses for buyers and producers.

Kenyan President William Ruto has faced mounting criticism for his perceived close ties with the RSF, with Sudan recalling its ambassador last month in protest. Sudan has accused Kenya of supporting a conspiracy to establish an RSF-led government, a claim Nairobi denies, stating its role is solely to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Sudan’s war, which began in April 2023, has led to widespread devastation, including the displacement of over 12 million people and significant disruption to supply chains. Trade routes, including ports and border crossings, have been severely impacted by the ongoing violence, further complicating economic exchanges between Sudan and its neighbors.

Kenya’s government has yet to issue an official response to the ban, but Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe recently stated that diplomatic efforts were underway to address the market access challenges caused by the conflict.