IGAD denies commending Ruto after Sudanese group staged meeting in Nairobi
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has flagged as fake a letter circulating on various platforms, purportedly to support President William Ruto’s decision to host Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi.
In an official statement, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, IGAD clarified that it has not issued any press release regarding the ongoing Ramadan peace process in Sudan.
In addition, the regional bloc urged the media and the public to verify any statements attributed to IGAD through its official communication channels to avoid misinformation.
“The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) wishes to clarify that it has not issued any official press release concerning the ongoing Ramadan peace process.
“We urge media and the public to rely on IGAD’s verified platforms for accurate information. Any statements attributed to IGAD on this matter should be verified through our official communication channels,” the statement emphasized.
Flagged letter
The statement followed a fake press release dated February 18, 2025, which sparked widespread discussions and suggested that IGAD endorsed Ruto’s involvement with RSF amid the Sudanese conflict.
“The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) commends H.E. President William Ruto for his bold and unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability. His recent engagement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a crucial first step in the diplomatic process aimed at fostering dialogue and de-escalating tensions as part of the Ramadhan Peace Process,” the fake press release on the RSF meeting in Nairobi reads.
RSF meeting in Nairobi
On Tuesday, February 18, RSF held a meeting at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) reportedly in preparation for forming an alliance consisting of political players and armed groups to strengthen its dominance in Sudan.
However, the Sudanese government condemned Kenya for allowing the Rapid Support Forces to conduct a meeting in Nairobi noting that it has violated international laws.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets the Kenyan government’s disregard for its obligations under international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by hosting the event of signing a so-called ‘political agreement’ between the terrorist Janjaweed militia—responsible for ongoing acts of genocide in Sudan—and its affiliated individuals and groups.
“Given that the stated objective of this agreement is to establish a parallel government on part of Sudanese territory, this move promotes the dismembering of African states, violates their sovereignty, and interferes in their internal affairs. This is, therefore, a clear breach of the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the established principles of the contemporary international order,” a press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan and dated Tuesday, February 18, read.
Clarification on IGAD’s Official Communications
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) wishes to clarify that it has not issued any official press release concerning the ongoing Ramadan peace process. Any statements attributed to IGAD on this matter should be… pic.twitter.com/8i7dMzgsfn
— IGAD Secretariat (@IGADsecretariat) February 20, 2025
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