Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has withdrawn from peace talks on Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict.
The immediate former president was scheduled to preside over peace talks in South Africa on Sunday, October 9.
According to reports, Uhuru wrote a letter to African Union Chairman Mousa Faki informing him that he would be engaged and had other responsibilities.
“Regrettably, I wish to notify your good office that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks scheduled for October 8, 2022 in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule,” wrote the former President to Mr. Mahamat.
“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Uhuru signed the letter as peace envoy.
However, the Kenya’s Peace Envoy requested to be provided with “rules of engagement” for any future peace talks to aid in his preparations and participation.
He also expressed optimism that the conflict would be resolved soon, urging both the Ethiopian government and the Tigrayan regional leadership to join the AU-led efforts.
“However, in the interim and as you consider the possibility for another date for the peace talks, I would be grateful to receive further clarity on the structure and modalities of the talks, including but not limited to the rules of engagement for all the interlocutors invited. This clarification would greatly help in preparations for my engagement and participation.”
