Kenya has expressed its appreciation for the expansion of the IGAD Troika to Sudan, heralding a new era in addressing the crisis.
With Ethiopia and South Sudan joining the Troika, Kenya will now take on the crucial role of Chair of the IGAD Quartet, tasked with resolving the pressing issues in Sudan.
President William Ruto conveyed Kenya's commitment to engaging directly with the parties involved during a media briefing in Djibouti on Monday, held as part of the 14th Ordinary meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
"Kenya commits to meet the two parties face to face to find a lasting solution to the crisis," Ruto stated.
This resolute stance by Kenya's leader underscores the nation's unwavering dedication to pursuing direct dialogue as a means of achieving a sustainable resolution to the Sudan crisis.
Read More
During the session, Djibouti was selected as the new Chair of IGAD, with South Sudan assuming the position of Deputy Chair.
The meeting witnessed the presence of various regional leaders, including President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, President Hassan Mohamud of Somalia, and Prime Minister Abiy Ali of Ethiopia.
Notably, Deputy President Malik Akar of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan, along with Malik Akar, Representative of the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, and Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, were also in attendance.
Ruto announced that within two weeks, a humanitarian corridor would be established to facilitate the swift delivery of much-needed aid to those affected by the crisis in Sudan.
Furthermore, he disclosed that an inclusive national dialogue would commence within the subsequent three weeks.
This dialogue aims to provide the people of Sudan with an appropriate platform to engage in diverse discussions concerning their country's future political dispensation, allowing their voices to be heard.
The appointment of Kenya as the Chair of the IGAD Quartet, along with the unwavering commitment to direct engagement expressed by Ruto, signifies a significant milestone in the collective efforts to find a peaceful and enduring resolution to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The establishment of a humanitarian corridor and the initiation of an inclusive national dialogue reflect the shared determination of the participating leaders to restore stability and foster progress in Sudan.
As the IGAD Quartet assumes its new responsibilities, hopes run high for positive outcomes that will pave the way for lasting peace, political stability, and the overall well-being of the Sudanese people.