Ruto Takes Charge as Sudan War Escalates

President William Ruto speaks during the flagging off of oxygen gas cylinders at State House on April 18, 2023.
President William Ruto speaks during the flagging off of oxygen gas cylinders at State House on April 18, 2023.
PCS

President William Ruto on Friday, April 21, volunteered to host mediation talks between warring factions in the Sudan war.

In a communique, the Head of State underlined the need for peace in the Horn of Africa noting that the war posed a threat to neighbouring countries.

He, therefore, urged the warring factions of General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo to seize the opportunity offered by the Kenyan Government to settle their differences.

"To support further progress in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan, Kenya hereby offers to host a process of mediation between the parties to the agreement.

An aerial of smoke from planes burnt at the Khartoum International Airport on April 17, 2023.
An aerial of smoke from planes burnt at the Khartoum International Airport on April 17, 2023.
Photo
International Civil Group

"We make this offer in the spirit of brotherhood, peace and solidarity as an acceptable neutral venue and also as an engaged stakeholder well-seized with the challenges facing our region," read the statement in part.

Consequently, he called on the international community to help support the process.

The worrying factions had signalled a cease-fire in response IGAD Heads of States and Government Summit that was held on Sunday, April 16.

"We invite the parties to take full advantage of this opportunity and urge IGAD, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to mobilise an effective international coalition to support a comprehensive peacemaking agenda for Sudan.

"Kenya has a strong track record in effectively facilitating peacemaking and settlement of the political conflict," Ruto stated.

Over 3,000 Kenyans are still stuck in the war-torn nation. The war has claimed 300 lives so far.

The Kenya Kwanza administration had assured Kenyans in Sudan that it would offer assistance even as it launched a helpline +249 900 194 854 for distress calls.

"If you also know of any Kenyans in Sudan kindly direct them to register through the above numbers. The registration will enable easier contact in the event of an evacuation. You are advised to take all precautions necessary due to the unpredictable security situation," Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua announced.

A photo of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua speaking during a ministerial meeting on April 19, 2023.
A photo of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua speaking during a ministerial meeting on April 19, 2023.
Photo
Alfred Mutua