Kenya, South Sudan vow to address Sudan conflict

March 12, 2024 (NAIROBI) – Kenya and South Sudan have reiterated their commitment to rally regional support to end the more than 10-month conflict in neighbouring Sudan, citing the danger of spillover effects.

Kenyan President William Ruto met with Benjamin Bol Mel, South Sudan’s senior presidential advisor, at State House on Monday. Mel delivered a special message from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. President Ruto emphasized the strong relationship between Kenya and South Sudan, pledging continued cooperation on matters of mutual interest and regional peace and stability.

“I had a productive meeting with President Ruto,” Mel said in a statement on March 11, 2024. “President Kiir reiterated his commitment to working closely with Kenya to find an amicable solution to the conflict in Sudan.”

Mel stated that President Kiir appreciates the Kenyan leader’s support and commitment to finding an amicable solution to the conflict. He highlighted the importance of the East African Community, a bloc of eight countries working towards shared goals of peace, security, and economic prosperity.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but still relies on its neighbour for oil pipelines. President Kiir played a role in attempting to mediate the conflict’s initial outbreak in April 2023.

Multiple attempts to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table have failed, including initiatives led by the US-Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and regional leaders. Reservations regarding external involvement and concerns about the role of wealthier Gulf countries have been cited as reasons for the continued conflict.