Mudavadi pushes for structured common peace strategy on Sudan

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is vouching for a strategic common approach towards restoring peace in the strife-torn Sudan.

He warned that the conflict in the vast African country had gone out of hand and needed urgent global attention to address the menace.

Mudavadi who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs acknowledged the ongoing diplomatic and mediation initiatives but requested for their convergence around a common political strategy informed by the Berlin Principles.

He warned that multiplicity of initiatives could create opportunities for forum-shopping and dilute collective efforts towards achieving peace.

Mudavadi argued that continued warfare in Sudan had on one hand worsened humanitarian suffering while threatening regional stability on the other.

The former Vice-President made the appeal in a presentation at a ministerial meeting on joint efforts to de-escalate the conflict and support inter-Sudan dialogue, during his recent tour of duty at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York where he had accompanied President William Ruto.

He asked for concerted regional and international efforts to stem the crisis even as he appreciated the sustained work by the Quintet, the Quad and international partners that , include France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States to keep international attention on the feud in Sudan. .

Mudavadi stated that the more than three years of war had inflicted a devastating toll on the citizens, displaced populations, separated families and placed a disproportionate burden on the country’s women and children.

The former Deputy Prime Minister noted: “The Sudanese people deserve peace, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their country and determine their future.”

Mudavadi observed that continued warfare in the Kordofan area risks intensifying humanitarian tragedies and wider regional instability.

He identified four areas that can guide the efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict in Sudan.

Thus immediate unconditional and sustainable cessation of hostilities with warring parties demonstrating genuine political commitment to ending the violence, an end to external interference and actions that fuel the conflict, deepen divisions or undermine peace initiatives.

The Minister called for co-ordinated and sustained regional and international diplomatic efforts to ensure that mediation initiatives reinforce rather than undermine the pursuit of peace.

The one time Exchequer chief posited that Sudan’s future must be determined through a genuinely inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process while insisting that civilians have a meaningful voice in shaping the country’s future.

He demanded immediate, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations, alongside the protection of civilians and the mobilisation of emergency relief assistance.

Mudavadi stressed that alleviating civilian suffering must remain a central priority in international efforts to address the conflict.

” I call for increased support to frontline and neighbouring countries that continue to bear significant consequences of the war, including the growing influx of refugees,” he said, while outlining the importance of accountability and justice in securing lasting peace in Sudan.

He warned that persons responsible for violations of international law must be held accountable, while mechanisms for truth-seeking, reconciliation and national healing should be pursued.

“Peace without justice is inherently fragile,” Mudavadi cautioned.
He stated the need to rebuild trust, restore social cohesion and establish foundations for long-lasting peace.

He assured of Kenya’s readiness to work with the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners committed to a peaceful resolution of the Sudan conflict.

The ministerial meeting came amid efforts by international and regional actors to pursue diplomatic avenues aimed at de-escalating the Sudan conflict, address the humanitarian crisis and support a political pathway towards durable peace.