Sudan's military-led government has recalled its ambassador from Kenya, in protest at Nairobi's hosting of meetings aimed at forming a rival Sudanese government backed by the Rapid Support Forces.

Sudan's state news agency SUNA reported that the move is a retaliation over Kenya hosting RSF rebels, what Sudan views as a hostile move against its sovereignty.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s foreign ministry said Wednesday it is ready to support peace efforts in Sudan, a day after Khartoum accused Kenya of violating its sovereignty by hosting a meeting of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Force, RSF, in the capital, Nairobi.

The general secretariat of the League of Arab States voiced deep concern and strongly condemned any actions that could undermine Sudan’s unity or risk its division, warning of the potential repercussions for the country’s stability and the wider region.

Sudan’s foreign ministry said on Thursday it had recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Jabara, and sharply criticized Kenyan President William Ruto, accusing him of prioritizing commercial and personal interests over historic bilateral relations.

Kenya has defended its decision to allow a sanctioned Sudanese militia to hold a meeting in Nairobi. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese civilian groups' tabling of a roadmap and proposed leadership in Nairobi is compatible with Kenya's role in peace negotiation.

Sudan has, for the second time, recalled its ambassador from Kenya protesting Nairobi’s hosting of a meeting to discuss the formation of a parallel government. A statement on Thursday January 20 from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry revealed that Ambassador Kamal Jabara was summoned “for consultations” in response to Kenya hosting meetings involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its allies,