Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that President William Ruto pledged a total amount of $1 million (Ksh131,250,000) as part of funds meant for humanitarian support in war-torn Sudan.
Mudavadi in a statement on April 15, 2024, announced that President Ruto pledged the amount on behalf of the country as part of support funds from different countries.
The PCS made the announcement after attending the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and the Neighboring Countries, in Paris France where he was representing Kenya.
According to the PCS, the pledge by Kenya makes up a total sum of $2 billion (Ksh264 billion) mobilized by the international community to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan where civil war has killed thousands and displaced millions of people.
“Subsequently, the conference raised approximately two (2) Billion US dollars to alleviate the humanitarian crisis of the Sudanese people. H.E. President William Ruto being the champion of peace in Africa, pledged one million US dollars in solidarity with the people of Sudan,” read part of the statement.
These pledges were based on the objectives of the conference which included providing an overview of the mediation and peacemaking initiatives dedicated to the resolution of the Sudanese conflict.
Assessing the situation in Sudan
Other objectives included a discussion on coordination mechanisms aimed at strengthening the existing peace initiatives and the adoption of a declaration of principles to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the participants to support a peaceful resolution.
The conference which focused on finding solutions for sustainable peace in the war-torn country was convened by France, Germany and the European Union.
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It brought together foreign ministers, representatives of State, international and regional organizations, and members of the civil society.
The participants expressed their grave concern about the worsening conflict and violation of human rights in Sudan and the impact of the crisis on the neighboring countries.
Mudavadi on Kenya’s stance
Mudavadi, in his remarks during the meeting, championed Kenya’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Sudan conflict.
He supported the international community’s call for sanctions on parties fueling the conflict for their vested interests.
“Kenya insists on immediate ceasefire as well as the opening of all borders and cross lines to enable rapid delivery of the much-needed humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people,” said a Communiqué issued from the conference.
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According to Mudavadi, the delegates commended the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the neighboring countries, including Kenya, for their relentless efforts for peace in Sudan.
They further reiterated the call to the warring parties to cease hostilities and abide by the commitment from the Jeddah talks to protect Sudanese civilians from the conflict.
The meeting also urged foreign actors to stop providing armed or material support to the warring parties or engage in action that could heighten tensions and fuel the conflict.
Furthermore, it recognized the urgent need for coordinated international mediation efforts and commitment to Sudan’s democratic process.
The United Nations (UN) on its part was urged to use its offices for “consistent and unified diplomatic engagement” from all key actors within a “coherent mediation and pressure strategy and an inclusive consultative forum.”
The Sudan crisis erupted in April 2023 following a violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Millions of people in the country have so far been internally displaced or have become refugees in the neighboring countries.
