US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has commended President William Ruto for his leadership ahead of Ethiopia -Tigray peace talks in South Africa.
In a private phone call between the two leaders held on Sunday, October 23, Blinken noted that Ruto played a critical role in restoring peace to the neighbouring Ethiopia.
"Spoke to Kenyan President William Ruto today and commended his critical role in regional peace and security in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa," announced Blinken.
Ned Price, the spokesman for the United States Department of State also noted that the two leaders discussed plans for the US-Africa Leaders Summit scheduled to take place in December.
"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Kenyan President William Ruto regarding Kenya’s critical role in regional peace and security in Ethiopia and across East Africa.
"The Secretary also previewed plans for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December," announced Price.
The call came just hours before a scheduled meeting to chat away forward on restoring peace between Ethiopia and Tigray scheduled for Monday, October 24.
A source told the Standard that the African Union had invited former President Uhuru Kenyatta to facilitate the talks scheduled to take place in South Africa.
The talks are between the Government of Ethiopia and rebel group Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The invite came two weeks after the former Head of State opted out of the peace talks on October 7 explaining that he would be engaged elsewhere.
"Regrettably, I wish to notify your good office that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks scheduled for October 8, 2022, in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule.
"I thank you for your dedication to the Pan-African call for peace in our continent. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," Uhuru signed the letter as Kenya's peace envoy at the time.
It is still not clear whether he will show up for the new talks between the warring sides.
