The United States has commended Kenyan President William Ruto for his commitment to regional peace, security, and sustainable development.
During a phone call on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Ruto discussed key developments in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Kenya continues to play a crucial role in peace mediation, particularly in the DRC, where ongoing conflict has raised concerns among neighboring nations. The U.S. State Department acknowledged Kenya’s leadership in fostering stability across East and Central Africa.
“The Secretary of State spoke with President Ruto to express appreciation for Kenya’s dedication to regional security and to deliberate on recent events in Somalia and South Sudan. They also emphasized the urgency of ending conflicts in eastern DRC and Sudan,” the State Department noted.
The escalating crisis in the DRC, driven by armed groups like the M23 rebels, has resulted in over 7,000 deaths and numerous casualties.
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The prolonged violence has alarmed East African Community (EAC) leaders, with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame recently holding discussions to find a resolution.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in South Sudan as conflicts between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar resurface. The rivalry, dating back to 2011, led to a devastating civil war that claimed over 40,000 lives before a peace agreement was reached in 2018. Recent clashes have reignited fears of renewed conflict.
In Somalia, efforts to combat Al-Shabaab insurgents continue. The Somali government, in collaboration with the African Union (AU), is transitioning security responsibilities to the Somali National Army.
The AU is set to finalize the AU Support and Stabilization Mission deployment in Somalia (AUSSOM), with over 11,900 troops expected to be operational by 2026.
