Sudan War Second Year: Indifference Draws Kenya, South Africa

Sudan’s brutal conflict officially entered its second year on April 15, prompting strong reactions from African leaders who blame global inaction for the prolonged war. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, echoed sentiments made by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, criticizing the international community for failing to end the violence.

Quoting Mbeki’s remarks following a London consultative conference on Sudan, Sing’oei said Kenya fully agrees that global paralysis and inaction—sometimes even complicity—have deepened the crisis.

Mbeki, who engaged with Sudanese political figures, civil society, and humanitarian groups in London, declared the war “unwinnable.” He emphasized that neither the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) nor the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) can claim victory, stressing the urgent need for a credible peace process.

“There is no military solution. This war is destructive and unwinnable,” Mbeki stated, calling for serious diplomatic engagement and long-term reconstruction. He and Kenyan officials are urging the global community to take unified, coordinated action to help Sudan restore peace.

This comes hours after the RSF announced a rival government, further complicating the peace process. Kenya has previously faced criticism for allegedly allowing RSF meetings that facilitated the formation of the parallel administration.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that despite major international interventions, progress has stalled due to a lack of political will within Sudan. “We must persuade the warring parties to protect civilians, allow aid access, and prioritize peace,” he said.

Both Kenya and South Africa have insisted that this must be the final anniversary Sudan observes under war, urging regional and global actors to stop fueling the conflict and support an inclusive peace effort.