President William Ruto has reached out to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
Egypt's presidential spokesman Ahmed Fahmy stated that the two presidents discussed the Sudan conflict and other bilateral issues via a phone call on Tuesday, August 8.
In a statement, Fahmy revealed that Ruto and El-Sisi exchanged views on African issues of common concern, especially developments in Sudan and the Nile Basin region.
The diplomatic initiative highlights Ruto's crucial role in resolving regional conflicts in Sudan as the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) High-Level Delegation for the Sudan Peace Process.
Ruto has encountered obstacles in his efforts to mediate the Sudan crisis after the country's military government, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected his inclusion in the IGAD team.
Burhan accused Ruto of supporting his rival, Mohammed Hemedti Dagalo, of the Rapid Support Forces.
The phone call with El-Sisi can thus be perceived as a strategic approach to consolidate support, harness Egypt's influence and insights, and leverage the country's relationship with Sudan to end the conflict that has attracted international condemnation.
Support for Ruto will overshadow Sudan's opposition, especially after his rejection underscored tensions and other intricate dynamics that must be addressed before the Kenyan President successfully guides other African leaders in the conflict resolution process.
The situation also highlights the need for careful diplomatic manoeuvring, especially after Kenya was targetted by a group of hackers, allegedly from Sudan, who paralysed key digital services in the East African country.
Kenya as well declined to comment on a video that reportedly captured Sudan military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, daring Kenya's Ruto to a fight, insisting that it would be undiplomatic to respond to statements that are purportedly released through unofficial communication channels.
In addition to addressing the Sudan crisis, Presidents Ruto and El-SisiApart discussed broadening their bilateral relations and advancing frameworks for cooperation between Egypt and Kenya.
“This will be in a way that contributes to achieving the desired sustainable development for the countries and peoples of the continent and promoting endeavours aimed at achieving continental integration at all levels,” an excerpt of the statement issued by Egypt's presidential spokesman Ahmed Fahmy sated.
The multifaceted dialogue centred around the Sudan crisis and expanding bilateral ties once again highlights Egypt's continued support of President William Ruto's agendas.
On June 8, Ruto met El-Sisi at the sidelines of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit, where El-Sisi acknowledged Kenya’s role in promoting security and stability in the continent.
