NAIROBI, Kenya-President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday held a telephone conversation to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening Kenya-U.S. relations and addressing pressing regional security issues.
During their discussion, President Ruto and Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and the United States.
Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to collaborative efforts that promote mutual interests, including trade, investment, and regional stability.
I had a telephone conversation with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening Kenya-U.S. diplomatic ties and advancing shared interests. Secretary Rubio and I also discussed regional peace and security, particularly the…
-Focus on Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo-
A significant portion of the conversation centered on the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in the region, highlighting the urgent need to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.
This appeal comes in response to recent advances by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which have intensified the humanitarian crisis and threatened regional security.
The conflict, rooted in historical grievances and competition over the DRC’s vast mineral resources, has drawn international concern.
Both the United Nations and Western powers have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, allegations that Rwanda denies.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior member of an armed group for their alleged roles in the conflict.
In a diplomatic note, the U.S. emphasized that regional stability requires the withdrawal of Rwandan military forces and advanced weaponry from the DRC.
President Ruto and Secretary Rubio reiterated their commitment to pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, acknowledging the critical role of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in facilitating peace efforts.
They underscored the importance of appointing facilitators, implementing ceasefires, and advancing the broader political process toward a lasting resolution.
-Addressing the Sudanese Conflict-
The two leaders also discussed the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, where clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Kenya has recently faced criticism for hosting RSF leaders in Nairobi, with the Sudanese government accusing Kenya of endorsing a sanctioned militia involved in alleged atrocities.
In response, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, defended the decision, stating that providing a platform for dialogue aligns with Kenya’s longstanding role in regional peace negotiations.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya’s involvement is nonpartisan and aimed at supporting conflict resolution, citing the country’s history of facilitating peace agreements, such as the Machakos Protocol of 2002, which contributed to ending Sudan’s second civil war.
He reiterated Kenya’s commitment to offering a neutral space for conflicting parties to seek resolutions and expressed confidence that the Sudanese people would find a swift solution through inclusive dialogue.
Recognizing the profound humanitarian impact of the conflicts in both the DRC and Sudan, President Ruto and Secretary Rubio discussed the necessity of providing aid to affected populations.
Kenya has pledged $2 million toward humanitarian efforts in Sudan, aiming to alleviate the suffering of displaced individuals and support initiatives that promote peace and stability.
Both leaders called on the international community to bolster support for humanitarian assistance and to engage constructively in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crises.
