Kenya’s President Ruto pledges to ‘stand with the Sudanese people for democracy’

Kenyan President William Ruto has promised that the Kenyan government will provide continuous support to Sudan’s Democratic Civil Forces in efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan.

To mark the end of meetings on Friday with Sudan’s Democratic Civil Forces, a coalition of political parties, professional groups, and civil society organisations also known as Tagaddum, concerned with stopping the war and the building of a new, democratic Sudan), Ruto pledged to “stand with the Sudanese people for democracy”, and emphasised the “Sudanese people’s right to democratic governance and the right to choose the nature of their government”.

In the address, delivered on his behalf by his security advisor, Monica Juma, Ruto described the escalating conflict in Sudan as “worrying”, referring to the repeated displacement and displacement of citizens as the war enters its ninth month.

“The outbreak of war in the Sudan is a tragic manifestation of sabotage and a hijacking of the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people. It is in this spirit that President William Ruto invites and facilitates civilian political actors to engage as early as they want to try to stop the war and determine the future of Sudan.

“In that spirit, Kenya remains supportive of all efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the future through Sudanese self-determination.”

He noted his satisfaction toward participation of Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan and (digitally) Gen Mohamed ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo in the last Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit.

Ruto praised the discussions that took place during four days of meetings of the Tagaddum members: “The meetings succeeded in discussing difficult issues necessary for shaping national histories. They provide an opportunity to lead, strengthen and advance these efforts.”

He reminded the leaders of the warring parties to deliver on what was promised at the last IGAD summit, including: “reaching an unconditional agreement to cease hostilities, allowing unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to those in need, meet face to face with generals El Burhan and Hemedti, and create space for the civilian-led political process to move forward.”