Sudan’s Rejection of Ruto as Mediator Sparks Diplomatic Tensions, Warns Expert
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of Sudan rejected President William Ruto’s nomination as chief negotiator for Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) peace talks on Thursday, June 15.
Foreign affairs analysts cautioned that Burhan’s decision could complicate efforts to resolve the political crisis in Sudan, despite their desire for South Sudan President Salva Kiir to replace Ruto.
Friday, June 16th, Rashid Abdi, an expert in international relations, told GossipA2Z that Sudan’s lack of interest in Kenya’s mediation efforts could spark a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
Diplomatic circles hold the opinion that some warlords view Ruto as having sympathies for the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohammed Hamdan Daglo Hemedti.
This could hinder efforts to resolve the political crisis in Sudan, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the destruction of property. Rashid asserted that al-Burhan, the army’s commander, believed Ruto would side with his rival.
The expert in international relations supported IGAD’s decision to appoint Ruto, emphasizing that the organization acknowledged Kenya’s crucial role in promoting peace in Eastern Africa.
According to Rashid, IGAD was strategic, preparing long-term measures such as military intervention planning.
It would be simpler for member states with stable militaries to consider sending troops on a peacekeeping mission.
He reiterated that Kenya and Ethiopia have the largest military forces and economies. As such, it would be detrimental to the negotiations to disregard their effort.
“Ruto’s appointment as chief negotiator was seen as a way for Kenya to exert its influence on the situation in Sudan.
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Rashid opined that it was also seen as a way to counteract the influence of Ethiopia, which is also a member of IGAD and was accused of supporting the coup in Sudan.
He cautioned that the IGAD would not risk recalling Ruto from his position. A reversal of fortunes could be perceived as a sign of weakness, and the authority would likely irritate Kenyan authorities.
Rashid told GossipA2Z, “It remains to be seen whether IGAD will be able to find another mediator who can gain the trust of both sides in the conflict, but this is unlikely.”
Long-term, Kenya will have to reevaluate her relationship with Sudan, especially after peace and tranquility have been restored in the Eastern African nation, he added.
Rashid explained, “Long-term, it could also lead to increased tensions between Kenya and Sudan, so the two countries will need to reevaluate their relations once the dust settles.”
Abraham Korir Sing’oei, the principal secretary for foreign affairs, agreed with Rashid that only the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) could revoke Ruto’s appointment.
“As of yet, there has been no official communication regarding this. But both the inclusion of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the Troika tasked with seeking peace in Sudan and the appointment of President William Ruto to lead the Quartet were decisions made by the IGAD Summit and can only be reversed by the Summit, warned Sing’oei, a close ally of President Ruto.
Sudan’s Rejection of Ruto as Mediator Sparks Diplomatic Tensions, Warns Expert
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