The escalating dispute between Sudan and Kenyan President William Ruto is impeding regional
efforts to mediate an end to the conflict in Sudan, according to analysts.
The disagreement arose when Ruto suggested deploying East African peacekeeping troops to
Sudan, prompting a Sudanese general to accuse Ruto of favoring paramilitary forces fighting against
the Sudanese army.
Anwar Ibrahim Ahmed, a political analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa region, says the recent
increase in tensions could hinder the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan.
He believes that the East African block, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has
to consider Sudan’s grievances against Ruto, who leads the Quartet Group, an IGAD sub-committee
tasked with mediating an end to Sudan’s four-month-old war.
Sudan's government has repeatedly accused Ruto of having business ties with the paramilitary
Rapid Support Forces, allegations that Ruto denies. He asserts that Kenya’s only interest is the
safety and well-being of the Sudanese people.
However, Sudanese leaders have refused to cooperate with the Quartet Group as long as Ruto
remains in his position.
On July 10, the Quartet Group, under Ruto’s leadership, proposed deploying a regional coalition of
peacekeeping troops in Sudan to protect civilians and secure humanitarian corridors. However,
Sudanese army leaders dismissed the proposal as an “invasion.”
(VOA)
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