Sudanese opposition politician Yassir Arman arrested in Nairobi
He was scheduled to meet the diplomats about developments in Sudan, part of a regional effort by Sudanese civilian groups
Kenyan authorities have arrested Sudanese opposition politician Yassir Arman after he arrived by air in Nairobi for consultations with Western diplomats on the strength of an Interpol warrant requested by Sudan.
Sudanese news outlet, the Sudan Tribune reports that Arman, the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Revolutionary Democratic Current (SPLM-RDC), was stopped by Kenyan police upon his arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. and informed of an arrest warrant issued for him.
It adds that he was then detained in a hotel in the city pending an investigation into whether the charges are criminal or political.
He was scheduled to meet the diplomats about developments in Sudan, part of a regional effort by Sudanese civilian groups.
Sudanese Attorney General Al-Fateh Tayfour had announced in September last year the pursuit of leaders of the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, or Tagadum, against whom arrest warrants were issued on charges of collaboration with the Rapid Support Forces in the war engulfing the country. They include former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and several leaders of the anti-war civil coalition.
Sudan Tribune says it has seen a copy of a letter from the Sudanese Public Prosecution requesting Arman’s extradition to the Sudanese government for investigation into alleged violations of Sudanese law and international humanitarian law.
However, his allies say the pursuit if politically motivated.
This comes as the United States expressed concern over recent activities by RSF and aligned actors in Nairobi, which culminated in the signing of charter on Monday night aimed at forming a parallel government in areas controlled by the paramilitary group and the formation of a joint army.
“The U.S. is deeply concerned by reports that the RSF and aligned actors have signed a ‘transitional constitution’ for Sudan,” the statement read.
“Attempts to establish a parallel government are unhelpful for peace and security and risk further instability and de facto partition of the country.”
Kenya has been under focus for severally hosting RSF leader Mohamad Hamdan Dagalo alias Hemedti and his allies and allowing them to undertake their activities in Nairobi.
