Sudan Hits Back at Ruto Over Tea Import Claims: ‘Not True!’
The Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi has refuted claims made by President William Ruto that Kenya continues to export tea and other products to Sudan despite an official ban.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the embassy reaffirmed that the trade suspension imposed by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on March 11 remains fully enforced, blocking all Kenyan goods from entering the country.
Sudan’s Firm Trade Stand
“The Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi wishes to clarify Sudan’s trade policy concerning imports from Kenya. On March 11, 2025, Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply issued a decree suspending all imports from Kenya in line with Sudan’s national interest. The decision has been fully implemented, and since then, no Kenyan products, including Kenyan tea, have been imported into Sudan,” the statement read.
The clarification comes after President Ruto, during a public address on Monday evening, suggested that Sudan continues to buy Kenyan tea despite the ban.
Ruto’s Statement Sparks Controversy
“By the way, we are selling tea to Sudan, even after they said they are not buying our tea. The market itself has forced them. We sell tea today to Sudan, so there is no issue, and that is why we are making money in the tea sector,” Ruto claimed.
However, the Sudanese Embassy dismissed his statement as “unfounded and inaccurate,” insisting that the suspension is being strictly upheld in alignment with Sudan’s economic and diplomatic policies.
Trade Ban Linked to Political Tensions
Sudan’s decision to block imports from Kenya followed Nairobi’s engagement with leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group locked in a conflict with Sudan’s government.
Kenya has defended its involvement, stating that hosting discussions with RSF leaders was part of a broader diplomatic effort to mediate peace in Sudan, rather than an attempt to interfere in the nation’s internal affairs.
Strained Economic Ties
The trade restrictions have significantly impacted the long-standing economic relationship between Kenya and Sudan. Kenya has been a key supplier of goods to Sudan, with tea being its leading export. Other major products include coffee, tobacco, soaps, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.
While Kenya remains optimistic about resolving the tensions, Sudan appears firm on its stance, maintaining that the ban on Kenyan imports will remain in place until further notice.
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Sudan Hits Back at Ruto Over Tea Import Claims: ‘Not True!’
