NAIROBI, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for restraint, dialogue, and coordinated international action following renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning of possible global security and economic repercussions.
Mudavadi spoke at the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi during commemorations marking the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa.
He joined Ethiopian Ambassador General Bacha Debele Buta and members of the diplomatic corps at the ceremony.
The Victory of Adwa, fought in 1896, remains a landmark in global history.
Ethiopian forces led by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul defeated the invading Italian army, safeguarding Ethiopia’s sovereignty and making it the only African nation to resist European colonisation at the time.
“As we celebrate the Victory of Adwa, it coincides with renewed conflict in the Middle East,” Mudavadi said.
“The unfolding developments have caught many by surprise, and we are likely to witness a fresh bout of disruption in supply chains and broader security dynamics.”
His remarks come amid rising global anxiety over instability in key oil-producing and trade transit regions.
Kenya, like many emerging economies, relies heavily on imported fuel and global supply chains for essential commodities.
Mudavadi urged diplomatic engagement and collective resolve to prevent escalation.
“As Kenyans, we urge that this conflict be brought to an end soon. There is a new challenge that humanity must overcome, just as Adwa represented a triumph of unity and sovereignty. Peace must emerge victorious,” he said.
He warned that prolonged instability could trigger inflationary pressures, fuel price volatility and heightened insecurity across regions.
“We must find alternative arrangements as we observe trends where global supply chains are disrupted,” he said.
“Global conflicts have significant implications for our economies, livelihoods, and the well-being of our people.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary stressed that Africa must strengthen its economic resilience by accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The continental trade pact seeks to boost intra-African commerce and reduce dependency on external markets.
“For Africa, there is now an even more urgent need to actualize the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. “What inspired Adwa should inspire the African continent to build resilience by enhancing intra-African trade and strengthening partnerships.”
Mudavadi argued that deeper cooperation would cushion African economies against external shocks.
“Unless we have alternatives, we have limited control over external developments. However, we can take deliberate steps to enhance our capacity to support one another and shape our collective future,” he added.
Kenya’s appeal aligns with its broader foreign policy posture that emphasises multilateralism, regional stability and economic diplomacy. As global tensions rise, Nairobi’s leadership appears keen to position the country as an advocate for dialogue and coordinated global action to safeguard economic stability.
