President Ruto reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to resolving conflicts in Africa
President William Ruto and visiting counterpart from Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló during a press briefing at State House.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to resolving conflicts in Africa, focusing on crises in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking after a meeting with Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto highlighted growing concerns over the deteriorating situation in the DRC and urged collaborative efforts with Angola’s leadership to address the conflict.
"On matters of peace and security, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together to promote peace and stability, not only in Africa but also in other regions experiencing conflict and insecurity. Kenya greatly appreciates Guinea-Bissau’s contributions to peacekeeping and security efforts within the region, and we stand ready to collaborate in advancing sustainable peace initiatives,” President Ruto said.
“In this regard, my brother and I expressed deep concern about the raging conflicts in Sudan and Eastern DRC and implore all parties to cease hostilities and forge a path to peaceful settlement of the issues."
President William Ruto and his visiting counterpart from Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
On Somalia, he stressed the importance of a smooth transition from the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to a new regional security framework, dubbed African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
"I have asked my brother to use his influence to see what we can do together around the situation in DRC and of course the situation in Somali and steps that are being taken so that we can transition from Atmis to the new arrangement that is under the African Union," he said.
President Ruto revealed ongoing mediation efforts in Nairobi to address South Sudan's instability, with plans to conclude discussions within weeks.
He also disclosed Kenya’s engagement with Sudanese leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who requested Kenya’s assistance in resolving Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
"I briefed my brother that I got a special envoy from General Burhan of the Sudan on how Kenya can assist in sorting out this situation in Sudan and I have shared this with my brother as African leaders we can bring more to bear in sorting out the challenges that face our continent," Dr Ruto said.
The discussions he said also touched on strengthening economic ties through the African Continental Free Trade Area and Guinea-Bissau’s support for Kenya’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
The head of state said the country’s leadership continues to play a central role in promoting peace and stability across the continent.
"In the context of the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections, I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for Guinea-Bissau's endorsement of Kenya's candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term. Kenya's candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations. I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of member states," said President Ruto.
Kenya has fronted former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the AUC chairperson role.
Also Read: Revealed: NIS role in Raila's AUC campaigns
He will face off against Djibouti’s foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
During their bilateral talks, President Ruto revealed that discussions were needed with Kenya Airways to expand its route network.
“You have told me about talking to Kenya Airways, I have heard you (President Embalo) and I will speak with Kenya Airways and the minister of tourism to see what we can do,” he said.
