President William Ruto has called on the warring factions in Sudan to engage in dialogue, allow humanitarian aid, and commit to peace talks to end the devastating conflict that has gripped the nation for nearly 22 months.
Speaking at the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for Sudan, President Ruto stressed the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis that has left millions of Sudanese citizens in dire need.
“The conflict in Sudan has reversed years of progress, leaving over half of the population food insecure and millions on the brink of hunger,” President Ruto lamented. He pointed out that Sudan was once on a promising path towards stability and self-sufficiency, with record wheat harvests and thriving sugar production.
However, the ongoing violence has shattered this progress, displacing approximately 11 million people and leading to the collapse of healthcare systems.
Ruto did not mince his words when condemning the obstruction of humanitarian aid, calling it “simply unacceptable.”
He urged all parties to facilitate unrestricted access for aid workers and to allow agricultural activities to resume in conflict-hit areas.
“This is a man-made disaster that requires immediate action. The Sudanese people deserve peace, and a military solution has never brought sustainable stability. Genuine and inclusive dialogue is the only way forward,” he asserted.
Kenya, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), continues to provide a platform for Sudanese political and civil society groups to engage in meaningful discussions.
Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to peace efforts, President Ruto announced an additional $1 million in humanitarian aid, doubling the initial pledge made at the Paris Humanitarian Pledging Conference in April 2024.
Ruto also urged external actors to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict, appealing to the African Union and the United Nations to uphold principles of territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and regional stability.
“As a continent and global community, we must work together to restore stability in Sudan and alleviate the suffering of millions. Our collective commitment is crucial in forging a peaceful future,” President Ruto concluded.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has not only destabilized the country but also placed a heavy burden on neighboring nations struggling to cope with an influx of refugees.
