President William Ruto will lead a high-level delegation of heads of state from the Horn of Africa tasked with finding a solution to the conflict in Sudan.
In a roadmap developed towards finding peace in the country now on the brink of collapsing, it was agreed that Ruto convene a meeting to have direct talks with the two generals of the fighting groups.
Following the 14th ordinary session of the IGAD session in Djibouti, it was also resolved that Ethiopia be included in the process.
“It has been resolved that Ethiopia be included as the fourth member of the IGAD high-level delegation for the peace process in Sudan and for President William Ruto to chair the quartet,” a communiqué reads.
Presidents Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia) and Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) are the other members of the peace delegation.
"Quartet leaders to arrange a face-to-face meeting between General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the Chairperson of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, and Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo in one of the regional capitals”.
The next two weeks will see the delegation secure a commitment from the leadership of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces paramilitary (RSF) to establish a humanitarian corridor.
The leaders expressed concerns over the continued fighting and the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the nation.
"Within three weeks, we will initiate an inclusive political process towards a political settlement of the conflict in the Republic of Sudan," it further states.
During the session, the leaders also underlined the importance of consultation and coordination with Sudan regarding all-inclusive efforts aiming at solving the ongoing conflict.
Fighting broke out on April 15 in the country with more than 1,200 deaths having been reported.
More than 800,000 people have been displaced and serious property destruction has occurred since then even with at least seven ceasefire deals being signed.
A month ago, Ruto said Kenya is ready to host a process of mediation between the parties to the Sudan peace agreement.
According to Ruto, this was a show of Kenya’s commitment and support to having a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the nation.
While lauding the two warring sides for submitting to the Political Framework Agreement (PFA) to cease hostilities as has been called for, the head of state said this was a signal of goodwill and a commitment to bringing back peace
“We make this offer in the spirit of brotherhood, peace, and solidarity as an acceptable neutral venue and also as an engaged stakeholder well-seized with the challenges facing our region,” Ruto said in a statement Friday.
Kenya, he stated, has a strong track record in effectively facilitating peacemaking and settlement of political conflict.
“We invite the parties to take full advantage of this opportunity and urge IGAD, AU and the UN to mobilise an effective international coalition to support a comprehensive peacemaking agenda for Sudan,” said the President.