• While giving his keynote at the National Defence University, his speech underscored Kenya's crucial role in fostering peace and stability across the African continent.
• Duale's proposed solutions for Ethiopia focused on immediate action in conflict-affected areas.
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Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale has outlined strategic policy recommendations to address crises in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan.
On Thursday, the CS emphasized that for peace to prevail in the above nations, there is an urgent need for collaborative efforts and international support.
While giving his keynote at the National Defence University, Washington DC, his speech underscored Kenya's crucial role in fostering peace and stability across the African continent.
Duale's proposed solutions for Ethiopia focused on immediate action in conflict-affected areas.
"We must mobilize humanitarian assistance and engage with international bodies and NGOs to deliver essential services to displaced individuals," he stated.
The CS's call for post-conflict reconstruction to stimulate economic recovery highlighted the commitment to long-term stability while fostering dialogue and reconciliation at all levels showcasing a holistic approach to addressing Ethiopia's challenges.
Moving to Somalia, Duale urged the international community to go beyond the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
"Redirecting funds to fortify peace and stability is paramount," he asserted, emphasizing the need to build independent governance institutions and coordinate donor efforts for long-term resilience.
Duale also stressed collaboration on climate resilience programs, linking them to combating the impacts of climate change and investing in youth education to provide alternatives to extremism.
Sudan's peace process saw Duale calling for diplomatic pressure on the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, proposing targeted sanctions for those hindering peace efforts.
He emphasized the establishment of an impartial international mediation entity, supported by regional and global actors, to facilitate full-time peace mediation.
Duale highlighted the important role of neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan, in coordinating efforts with international organizations like the United Nations, European Union, Africa Union and The Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
"The call for a comprehensive and inclusive peace process, championing dialogue, and engaging civil society and women's organizations underscored the commitment to building trust and addressing root causes of conflict," he added.
The Cabinet Secretary reserved special acknowledgment for Kenya's central role in regional peace efforts.
Duale praised the Kenya Defence Forces for their involvement in numerous peacekeeping missions in Africa.
He emphasized Kenya's continuous commitment to driving diplomatic efforts, silencing guns, and improving humanitarian support.
"Kenya's support of multilateral efforts through regional organizations like the AU and IGAD showcased the nation's dedication to finding lasting peace and stability in the region," Duale added.
With Duale's comprehensive policy recommendations taking center stage, Kenya emerges as a linchpin in the pursuit of peace across the African continent, with its Defence Forces and diplomatic initiatives playing a pivotal role in shaping a more stable future.
Duale's visit to the US follows the signing of the Defence Cooperation Framework on September 25, 2023, in Nairobi, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
He had earlier held talks with US counterpart Lloyd Austin III on regional and global security matters.
Duale was hosted by Lloyd Austin III at the Pentagon where the two discussed a host of issues on the implementation of the Defence Cooperation Framework between the US and Kenya, on strategic partnership.
On his part, Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude towards Duale for Kenya's role and contributions to regional and global security.
He also emphasized the need to stabilise security in other regions in Africa.
"There is a need to continue the fight against al-Shabab and the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb," Austin said.
Image: DUALE/X