Sudan held a two-year civil war in Nairobi to combat the Army, the Paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF), which fought the Army during a two-year civil war in Nairobi, suspended all imports from Kenya in protest.
Last month, the RSF and its allied political and armed groups signed a founding charter in Kenya that stated its intention to form a parallel government in Sudan.
The Sudanese military government said the import ban was intended to protect the country’s sovereignty and “protect its national security.”
The war-torn country imported several products from Kenya, including tea, food and medicine.
An ordinance issued by the Ministry of Trade of Sudan said: “The import of all products through all ports, crossings, airports and ports from Kenya will be suspended until further notice.”
It ordered “all relevant authorities to enforce the ban immediately”.
Tensions between Kenya and Sudan have escalated for months.
Kenyan President William Ruto faces widespread criticism at home for his close ties to the RSF.
Last month, Sudan recalled the Kenyan ambassador to protest Nairobi’s participation in “conspiracy to establish a government” as the RSF.
Sudan said Kenya held the RSF conference, which was “involved in hostilities.”
But Kenya defended its role, noting that hosting meetings was part of finding solutions to the Sudanese war, “without any ulterior motives.”
Traditionally, both countries enjoy strong trade relations and Kenya is a key partner in Sudan, especially in agriculture and manufacturing.
Kenya exports a range of goods to Sudan, and tea is its most important export, followed by coffee, tobacco and other products such as soap, electrical equipment and medicines.
Tea is one of Kenya’s most important forex money-makers, and this move is expected to undermine trade flows and the broader economy.
Economist Ken Gichinga told the BBC that the ban would be a big blow and foreign exchange would take a hit. This means less Forex and more financial services exposure. It has a chain reaction that is more than just a trade. ”
The Kenyan government has not commented on the ban, but Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe recently said his country is exploring diplomatic avenues to address Sudan’s market gains challenges.
The ban comes at a time when Kenya’s tea exports are in trouble due to the conflict in Sudan.
A recent report shows that Kenyan tea exports have dropped by 12% over the past year.
The war in Sudan began in April 2023, causing extensive damage, disrupting supply chains and limiting the ability of enterprises to function properly.
Ports and borders that are critical to trade are damaged or hindered from crossing violence, greatly reducing the flow of goods between Sudan and its neighbors, including Kenya.
According to the United Nations, the conflict has destroyed much of Sudan – including the capital Khartoum – and thousands have been killed and more than 12 million have been displaced.
More information about the Sudan War:
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