Feb 27 β€’ 10:10 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Among them is Hamidti's brother.. Controversy in Kenya over granting passports to Rapid Support Forces members

A political and legal controversy in Kenya has erupted over the issuance of Kenyan passports to Sudanese individuals connected to the Rapid Support Forces, including the brother of a prominent Sudanese leader.

The controversy began when Kenyan political activist Boniface Mwangi revealed that several Sudanese individuals associated with the Rapid Support Forces had obtained Kenyan passports, sparking widespread political and legal debate in Nairobi. The issue gained attention particularly around the passport issued to Goni Hamdan Daglo, the brother of the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (also known as Hamidti). Goni, a businessman based in Dubai and a key logistical officer within the RSF, is under U.S. and European sanctions for his role in the Sudanese conflict. The possession of a Kenyan passport allows him to move freely, raising questions about the integrity of Kenyan institutions responsible for passport issuance.

The leaked documents not only implicated Goni but also revealed the names of other notable figures, including prominent politicians from the Solidarity Front such as Sharif Mohammed Osman Sharif Suleiman and Taha Osman Ishaq Adam. The discovery of these names further complicates the situation, as it points to potential networks of influence and corruption within the Kenyan government. It also suggests that individuals under international sanctions could exploit Kenyan resources for mobility, undermining the sanctions' effectiveness.

As the political fallout continues, there are calls for an urgent investigation into the matter, with demands to revoke the passports issued to these individuals. The situation poses significant implications for Kenya's international standing, especially regarding its compliance with global sanctions and its commitment to uphold the rule of law. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about the governance and integrity of institutional processes in Kenya, as well as the country's role in the regional politics of the Horn of Africa.

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