The government of the United States of America (US) has welcomed the appointment of immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the peace envoy for the conflict in Nothern Ethiopia and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
US Bureau of African Affairs on Friday, September 16, stated that the appointment would be crucial in fostering peace in the region.
“We welcome the appointment of Uhuru Kenyatta as peace envoy for the conflict in Northern Ethiopia and in Eastern DRC.
"A critical time for both conflicts - his work will be crucial," the Bureau of African Affairs stated.
President William Ruto on Tuesday appointed Uhuru to the peace negotiation role during his inauguration ceremony.
Ruto appreciated the role of the former president in negotiating for peace and further noted that he had agreed to continue working towards alleviating the conflicting parties.
The president also pledged to support the efforts of his predecessor in matters pertaining to the region's peace.
"On the peace initiatives in our region including both in Ethiopia and Great Lakes Region, I have asked my elder brother President Uhuru Kenyatta who has done commendable engagement with those regions and he has graciously agreed to continue chairing those discussions on behalf of the people of Kenya,” Ruto stated.
"I have committed that the government of Kenya and myself, in particular, will support those initiatives that will be chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta. And I want to thank you for graciously agreeing to support us and to help me in those interventions," he added.
Ethiopia has experienced conflict in the northern region of Tigray since 2020. Uhuru expressed his commitment to resolving the conflict during his term in office.
The US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa David Satterfield paid him a visit with the two discussing the situation in Tigray.
In the meeting, Uhuru stated that Kenya as a nation was concerned about the peace of the East African nation.
“A strong Ethiopia is important to us. A stable Ethiopia is important to us. That is why we are committed to doing all we can to see the conflict resolved,” Uhuru assured.
Kenya is also a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) charged with ensuring peace and international security.
