President William Ruto has urged warring parties in the Sudan conflict to engage in genuine and inclusive dialogue to achieve sustainable peace.
The President pointed out that a political crisis like the Sudan conflict should be resolved through dialogue and not military means.
He also called on external actors supporting the warring parties to refrain from actions that further endanger the lives and future of the Sudanese people.
“Only through collective commitment and decisive action can we help restore stability and hope for a peaceful future in Sudan,” he said.
He made the remarks during a High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, attended by, among others, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
President Ruto urged the international community to intervene in the Sudan crisis, which continues to worsen due to massive displacement of civilians, with an estimated 11 million people forced to flee their homes.
“It is incumbent upon all of us – Member States and people of goodwill alike – to support ongoing efforts towards a peaceful resolution, while addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by this conflict,” he said.
He noted that the collapse of healthcare systems, the spread of preventable diseases, and the deterioration of medical infrastructure have further deepened the humanitarian emergency.
“The regional impact of the crisis is equally severe, with neighbouring countries struggling with overstretched social services due to the growing refugee crisis,” he added.
The President regretted Sudan’s progress towards food security – once marked by record wheat harvests – has been reversed, leaving over half the population food insecure and millions on the brink of famine.
President Ruto affirmed that Kenya, along with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, remains committed to supporting and facilitating efforts to a negotiated settlement to end the suffering of the Sudanese people.
He pledged $2 million to support the more than 30 million Sudanese in need of humanitarian aid.
President Ruto also called on all parties involved to facilitate unrestricted access for humanitarian convoys and healthcare workers, and to allow the resumption of agricultural activities in areas under their control.
Later, President Ruto attended the 34th Summit of Heads of State and Government under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
He described the APRM as a beacon of Africa’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency.
He urged African Union Member States to expedite the process of anchoring the APRM in national legislation to secure its financial sustainability, ensure resilience through political transitions, and enhance its institutional stature.
“Kenya is leading by example and has given priority to the necessary legislative framework,” he said.
Additionally, he held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. They reaffirmed Kenya and Ethiopia’s commitment to working with other stakeholders in the search for solutions to peace and security challenges.
“We value our close ties with the government and people of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has, over the years, proven to be a close partner, friend, and brother. We commend his leadership in regional peace and stability,” he said.
The President also held talks with Senegalese President Diomaye Faye. He affirmed that Kenya and Senegal will continue strengthening diplomatic relations at bilateral and multilateral levels.
“We are, therefore, exploring new avenues of cooperation to enhance mutual growth and interests,” he said.
He further said that the two countries are committed to advancing reforms within the African Union to establish a stable, financially sustainable, and predictable framework that will drive Africa’s progress.
President Ruto later spoke at a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing.
