On June 17, 2023, the Kenyan government dismissed objections raised by Sudan regarding the appointment of President William Ruto as the head of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation team for the Sudanese conflict. State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to regional and international initiatives, emphasizing their active participation in seeking peaceful and sustainable resolutions to conflicts in the region.
Sudan’s rejection of President Ruto’s leadership role was met with the assertion that Kenya would adhere to decisions made by regional and international mechanisms rather than the views of any party involved in the conflict. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei stated that no formal communication had been received regarding Sudan’s concerns.
It is noteworthy that Sudan had chaired the IGAD Heads of State and Government session, where resolutions were deliberated and adopted, granting Kenya the chairpersonship of the IGAD quartet responsible for settling the Sudanese conflict. However, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry expressed disagreement and objected to the replacement of South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit with President Ruto.
Kenya’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict is further demonstrated by President Ruto’s role in leading direct talks with warring Sudanese generals, alongside leaders from South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. This concerted effort signifies an intensified approach to resolving the conflict.
