Kenyan president calls on international community to act on Sudan conflict

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenyan president William Ruto has added his voice to calls for a ceasefire between the two warring sides in Sudan urging the two leaders to come together for the sake of peace in the region.

President Ruto called on the leaders of the two sides; the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, to ensure full compliance with the IGAD head of State calls for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict.

“It is time to silence the guns in our region and continent so that we can focus on the urgent work of enabling our people to pursue opportunities and actualise their aspirations, in peace and tranquillity. Time is of the essence,” he said.

He added that it is crucial for all international actors to act with urgency to ensure peace is restored in Sudan to avert more loss of lives and property.

“The United Nations, Africa Union, IGAD and QUAD for Sudan must lead a process that extends beyond the mere cessation of hostilities towards the restoration of sustainable peace, security and stability.”

Clashes in Sudan have entered its fifth day calls for the two sides to cease fire falling on deaf ears with civilians being caught in the crossfire.

So far, the United Nations estimates that over 200 civilians have been killed and another 2000 injured in the fighting which experts have also warned that it may cause a refugee crisis in the Horn of African region if it continues.

The two rival groups, RSF led by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, alias Hemedti and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan clashed following differences over the signing of the Framework Agreement establishing the transitional period on December 5, 2022.

The Framework stated that the Army will quit politics and hand over power to civilians.

On April 1, 2023, the framework deal was to be resigned in a new transitional government led by civilians but collapsed following Junta’s internal wrangling.

The RSF were also to be integrated into the ranks of the army in the framework.

So far, the RSF have claimed control of Khartoum’s main airport, Republican Palace, state guest houses 02 and 03, Meroe airport and military camps in El Fasher.

However, SAF has said it had taken hold of RSF bases in Port Sudan, Kasala, Kadaref, Demazin and Kosti.