Kenyan
President William Ruto has engaged in a telephone conversation with the United
States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, addressing the escalating crises in
South Sudan and Somalia, as well as broader regional security concerns.
The two
leaders discussed several key issues, including trade, peace initiatives, and
the strategic role of the U.S. in supporting African peace efforts.
“In South
Sudan, I updated the Secretary of State on the current situation and the
initiatives we are engaged in to encourage the government and opposition to
re-engage, de-escalate violence, and rededicate themselves to the search for
peace,” Ruto stated on his official X account.
The ongoing
conflict in South Sudan following the clashes between government forces and the
White Army allied with the SPLM-IO has raised concerns among observers and
citizens about the stability of South Sudan's fragile peace process, with fears
that the country may relapse into renewed civil war.
President
Ruto emphasized Kenya's proactive role in regional stability, particularly in
the troubled countries of South Sudan and Somalia.
Kenya has
been instrumental in brokering dialogue between warring factions in the region,
but despite these efforts, the country has seen ongoing violence and
instability.
The
conversation also extended to Somalia, where the situation remains dire as
terrorist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab, continue to destabilize the region.
“I also
briefed Secretary Rubio on escalating terrorist activities in Somalia and the
necessity for our two countries to work together in confronting this threat to
our interests as well as to international peace and security,” Ruto added.
The U.S. and
Kenya have long been allies in counterterrorism operations in the Horn of
Africa, with Kenya playing a pivotal role in supporting Somali government
forces against insurgent groups.
U.S.
Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the phone conversation,
stating that Secretary Rubio thanked President Ruto for Kenya’s leadership in
addressing the complex security challenges facing the region.
They also
discussed the need to end ongoing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of
the Congo and Sudan.
