President William Ruto has warned the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Sudanese paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamad Dagali alias Hemeti to stop the ongoing war in Sudan.
Speaking to Aljazeera, Ruto said the two generals must put their differences aside and embrace dialogue to end the war.
“It is my position that both Generals must stop the war and we must tell them unequivocally that the war in SS in senseless. The carnage, loss of life, humanitarian crisis, displacement of people, closure and destruction of Khartoum in unacceptable,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan president stated that Hemeti and Abdel should stop the blame games and prioritize the urgent need to rebuild the country.
Ruto explained that military war will not provide a solution to the problem facing Sudan.
“It is not time for anyone of them to play holy, superior or point figures. Both sides have committed crimes, and we need to sit them down and find a solution and tell them with clarity that there is not military solution for the problem we have,” he said.
Ruto Gives Kenya’s Position
He emphasized that Kenya would continue with the peacekeeping mission in Sudan despite the accusations that he is taking sides with Hemeti.
Ruto revealed that he has negotiated with both teams in efforts to provide a solution to the ongoing crisis.
“I have had a thorough and clear engagement with both of them. What one side is accusing me of is why did I meet Hemeti,” he said.
“I know too well from experience that if you want to make peace you speak with friends, enemies and all sides. So, it is not possible for us to move forward and make peace if we don’t speak to both sides.”
Also Read: Kenya Clears Air on Missing South Sudan Activist After Being Implicated
IGAD Meeting
Besides, Ruto revealed that both sides were invited for an IGAD meeting in Uganda but only Hemeti showed up.
Afterwards, the Sudan Armed Forces threatened to pull out of IGAD since Abdel didn’t attend the meeting.
“You can’t continue to run away from your adversary. You’ll never resolve the problem. Kenya was accused to be biased, now IGAD is being accused of being biased because we want to listen to everybody,” he said.
Peacekeeping Plans
Ruto announced a plan to unite the former Prime Minister and other parties, including non-signatories of the JUBA agreement, to strengthen civil society, garner political support, and advance the peace process in Sudan.
He dismissed the claims that Kenya is taking sides in the war stating that Kenya has had a long history with Sudan and is focused on ending the war.
“We have done the best that we could, there are people who would have wanted us to take side and unfortunately Kenya is not known for taking sides,” he said.
President speaks on South Sudan situation
Ruto maintained that Kenya created the comprehensive peace agreement that established South Sudan as a country.
He emphasized that most of the negotiations were carried out in Kenya since it is known to be fair with the necessary acumen to facilitate consultations and negotiations.
Also Read: Ruto Pledges Ksh130 Million to Sudan in France Meeting; Here’s Why
Salva Kiir Removal
He accused the leaders of hijacking the people’s revolution that advocated for removal of President Salva Kiir.
“The revolution that removed Salva Kiir was a people’s revolution. It was unfortunately hijacked by military men, and they messed the country and caused hell that Sudan is experiencing today,” Ruto said.
Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya Kamal Gubara in January in protest against the reception president Ruto gave to Hemeti at State House Nairobi.
Hemeti heads the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces which has been involved in a conflict with the country’s national army.
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