Kenya denies trafficking ammunition into South Sudan

Kenya has denied allegations that she has been trafficking large quantities of weapons and ammunition into South Sudan.

Through a statement sent to newsrooms by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Government of Kenya says it is dismayed by the recent comments published in the international media attributed to Adama Dieng, the United Nations Special Advisor for Prevention of Genocide, alleging the Kenya role in the prolonging of the conflict in South Sudan.

“The allegations by the senior UN official insinuating Kenya’s complicity in trafficking large quantities of weapons and ammunition into South Sudan, are not only unfortunate and misguiding, but lack facts and came at a time when all IGAD Member States have embarked on rigorous process of revitalisation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) signed in August 2015,” read the statement in part.

The statement went ahead to say, “the situation in South Sudan remains extremely complex and such unhelpful statements must be avoided at this critical time in pursuit of a credible and all-inclusive peace process. Kenya and neighbouring countries who are the sponsors of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) have had their patience tested to the limit but have continued to soldier on without showing any signs of fatigue.”

Kenya insists that it remains committed to peaceful resolution of the South Sudan conflict and will continue to play its rightful mediation role bilaterally and within the framework of IGAD. Kenya as a guarantor of the Peace Agreement (ARCSS) and a member of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) continues to encourage and support the South Sudanese signatory parties to implement the peace agreement in good faith.

The Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Monica Juma through the statement also said that Kenya remains impartial with regards to the South Sudanese Parties, including the political parties as well as the various armed and non-armed opposition groups, as it rallies the regional governments and the international community to sustain pressure on the Parties to recommit to the peace process.

Juma also affirmed that the Government of Kenya in fulfilling its international obligations, does not condone the conduct of any hostile activities against any neighbouring/foreign country or foreign Government within its territory. Any individuals or groups, including spoilers of the peace process, whether Kenyan or foreign, are investigated and taken through the due process.

“Kenya’s relations with South Sudan and her role in the Peace Process are of utmost interest to the mutual well-being of the peoples of the two countries, and to the regional peace, security and economic prosperity,” She went on to say.

In conclusion, the ministry reiterated and reaffirm Kenya’s longstanding commitment in search for stability and lasting peace in the Republic of South Sudan as a precondition for economic, social and political prosperity.

Kenya in the past week warned Kenyans against unnecessary travel to the neighbouring South Sudan citing rampant insecurity.

In a statement to media houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the security situation in South Sudan remained unpredictable and therefore risky for Kenyans.

The advisory come a day after two Kenyan pilots arrived back in the country from South Sudan where they were being held captive.