In light of the escalating conflict between Sudan’s military factions, President William Ruto has urgently called for international intervention to prevent the situation from jeopardizing the peace and security of Africa as a whole. He appealed to the United Nations, African Union, and other global organizations to take immediate action to broker peace between the warring parties.
President Ruto expressed grave concern over the intensifying battle between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), emphasizing that the ongoing violence poses a significant threat to regional stability. The conflict, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties, extensive property damage, and the displacement of civilians, has rapidly deteriorated due to a disagreement on the integration timeline for the RSF into the SAF as outlined in the Political Framework Agreement.
Ruto implored the United Nations, African Union, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and QUAD for Sudan to lead a comprehensive process that goes beyond halting hostilities and focuses on restoring lasting peace and stability in the region. He urged the leaders of the SAF and RSF to adhere to the resolution passed at the IGAD Heads of State Summit held last Sunday, which called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The president also highlighted the devastating impact of both factions employing lethal weapons and air power against military and civilian targets, leading to significant destruction of property and critical public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports. “It is time to silence the guns in our region and continent so that we can focus on the urgent work of enabling our people to pursue opportunities and actualize their aspirations in peace and tranquility. Time is of the essence,” Ruto stated.
This plea from President Ruto follows his recent appointment by IGAD as one of the three representatives tasked with reconciling the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group. Alongside President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Ruto is set to engage in negotiations with the conflicting parties as soon as possible. IGAD has emphasized that maintaining stability in Sudan is crucial for the social and economic well-being of the entire region.