The nomination of Kenyan President William Ruto by the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to lead a ceasefire dialogue in Sudan has been rejected by one of the warring faction.
Ruto was nominated to lead a committee to champion peace talks in Sudan during 14th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government held on June 12, 2023 in Djibouti.
But now, the Sudanese government, led by military leader Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has rejected Ruto’s nomination and demanded that South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, be retained as chairman of the committee.
“We demand the President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit retain his role,” read part of statement issued by Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
War broke out between the Sudanese military under the leadership of Gen Al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023 leading to massive losses of lives and the displacement of civilians.
IGAD on Monday tasked Ruto to lead the quartet of Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya to meet the generals- Al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of RSF- in the next 10 days to find a means of ceasing hostilities in Sudan.
“Within two (2) weeks secure a commitment from the leadership of SAF and RSF to establish a humanitarian corridor,” read part of the statement adopted by IDAD.
“Within three (3) weeks initiate an inclusive political process towards a political settlement of the conflict in the Republic of Sudan,” it added.
During the meeting in Djibouti, Ruto said Kenya is committed to meet the two Sudan generals face to face to find a lasting solution to the crisis. Watch the video here.
His nomination was rejected by Khartoum weeks after he told Sudan’s warring generals to “stop the nonsense” in reference to war that has left over 1,000 people dead and thousands displaced.
by: MartinMurigi