Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Monday, May 15, came under fierce criticism after making controversial remarks over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has claimed at least 200 lives so far.
Kuria stalked diplomatic tiff after arguing on Twitter that African nations' militaries should consider invading Sudan in order to restore peace and democracy in the oil-rich nation.
Kuria's comments forced the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify that it did not hold such views as a State or the leadership of the nation.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'Oei stated that Moses Kuria's comments were his own and did not in any way reflect Kenya's position over the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
"The personal views expressed by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria do not represent government policy on this complex and challenging issue. We continue to work with all parties toward a peaceful resolution of the Sudan crisis," Sing'Oei clarified.
On Saturday, May 13, Trade CS Moses Kuria claimed that the easiest way to restore peace and tranquility in Sudan was through a military invasion that will culminate into a power takeover.
In Kuria's wisdom, a military incursion will culminate into a possible peaceful breakthrough that will ensure that the power is handed over back to the Sudanese civilians through a democratic process.
"The Sudan lesson is simple. The community of nations should militarily invade any country where armies overthrow the government.
"Appeasement does not pay off. Military juntas do not become democrats simply because of the false principle of non-interference. The AU can marshall a strong enough army to bomb Khartoum to smithereens," Moses Kuria.
The 2023 Sudan conflict is an ongoing armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan. The unrest began on April 15, when clashes broke out in western Sudan, the capital city of Khartoum, and the Darfur region.
As of May 9, at least 200 people had been killed and more than 5,100 others had been injured in a conflict that is currently being mediated in Jeddah Saudi Arabia.
On Friday, April 21, President William Ruto volunteered to host mediation talks between warring factions in the Sudan war. Ruto also underlined the need for peace in the Horn of Africa noting that the war posed a threat to neighbouring countries.
"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.
"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.
Sudan Conflict
The conflict is rooted in the power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF is the traditional military of Sudan, while the RSF is a paramilitary force that was formed in 2013 to fight the Darfur insurgency.
The RSF is led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, who is a powerful figure in the Sudanese government.
The conflict began when the RSF attempted to seize power from the SAF. The RSF launched a series of attacks on SAF positions in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The SAF responded with force, and the two sides have been engaged in a bloody conflict ever since.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on Sudan. Thousands of people have been killed, injured, or displaced from their homes. The economy has been crippled, and the country is on the brink of collapse.
The international community has condemned the conflict and called for an end to the violence. However, the warring parties have so far been unable to reach a ceasefire. The conflict is a major humanitarian crisis, and it is a threat to regional stability.
