The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defended President William Ruto’s foreign policy moves amid scrutiny over his stand on geopolitical matters, particularly in the African context, since assuming power in 2022.
In a statement issued on Friday, CS Alfred Mutua outlined the gains President Ruto to bring peace to Africa in his newfound role as a continental leader.
The Ministry’s move to defend the Head of State came 1 day after President Ruto’s sincerity in styling himself as a Pan Africanist came under heavy scrutiny, after a media outlet published a scathing article, which put his stand on continental and global political affairs under the microscope.
In the statement, Mutua revealed that Ruto had immersed himself in peace efforts based on the realisation that there can never be meaningful regional and continental integration without peace.
The CS said Kenya has become an anchor state and guarantor of regional peace and security in Africa.
Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
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Foreign Affairs KE
Mutua reiterated the stance that Kenya is not meddling or undermining the sovereignty of other countries. The CS particularly stressed that Kenya’s interest in Sudan is to see the country return to normalcy.
“We have also used vital forums to highlight and spotlight our region’s peace and security architecture in an effort to ensure that the global community remains responsive to our unique circumstances,” the CS said.
Mutua maintained that the results of Ruto’s peace efforts are evident. The CS gave the example of the Juba Peace Agreement signed on December 5, 2022, which he said has brought tranquility to Sudan.
“A day afterwards, the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, an EAC-led process, concluded its third session in Nairobi,” the statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry read.
“The following day, the government of Somalia and Somaliland agreed to resume reconciliation,” Mutua added.
Finally, Mutua observed that President William Ruto’s administration is proud of the progress made in stabilising the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This, the Ministry said was achieved through East African Community Regional Force which saw Kenya deploy soldiers to bring peace to the troubled DRC.
Visitors gathered at KICC during the Africa Climate Summit on September 6, 2023
PCS
