Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.[Courtesy]

By Njoroge David

 Kenya has endorsed a joint initiative by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to restore peace in Sudan, insisting the process must be African-led and free from military dominance.

The statement from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary comes as Sudan’s war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) enters its second year, with thousands killed and millions displaced since fighting erupted in April 2023.

 The conflict has devastated Khartoum, spread to Darfur and other regions, and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

“There can be no military solution to the conflict. The urgency now is to advance a negotiated settlement with the active participation of both Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces,” the office stated on Monday, September 15.

Kenya urged all parties and external actors to respect Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, warning against any attempt to divide the country.

 It also raised concern over extremist groups fuelling the crisis and called for an end to foreign military support.

The office pledged to continue facilitating humanitarian aid through Kenya’s territory and pressed for a ceasefire to allow relief to reach affected populations.

The United Nations estimates that more than 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance, with access severely restricted by ongoing fighting.

Kenya backed the Quad’s proposed nine-month timeline for an inclusive transition leading to an independent civilian-led government.

“The talks must be Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned, with support from regional organisations,” the office observed.

It called on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, the United Nations, the Arab League and the wider international community to coordinate peace efforts and harmonise existing initiatives into a single African-led track.

Kenya has been a key player in regional mediation through IGAD, hosting talks and pushing for ceasefires in Sudan since the conflict began.