The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a complex ally and adversary for Kenya, with President William Ruto recently benefiting from a cost-saving aircraft provided by them. Despite the apparent savings, questions arose about the UAE’s motivations and potential repercussions.
Experts such as Prof Macharia Munene opine that such gestures could compromise Kenya’s standing in regional peace efforts, particularly in Sudan, where UAE’s involvement with factions like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) complicates matters.
While Ruto’s engagement with various Sudanese groups aims to broker peace, the UAE’s backing of conflicting parties prolongs the conflict. Calls for dialogue between conflicting factions have been overshadowed by external influences, including arms supplies from the UAE.
In light of these developments, the delicate balance of power in Sudan and the wider East African region remains precarious, with implications for peace and stability.