Ruto reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to lasting peace in South Sudan
President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s steadfast commitment to supporting sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan.
In a statement shared on the night of Thursday, May 22, 2025, after receiving a detailed briefing from the mediators of the Tumaini Initiative, an ongoing peace effort aimed at addressing South Sudan’s political and security challenges, Ruto emphasised the importance of collective regional efforts to secure a prosperous future for the region.
The delegation was led by retired Lieutenant-General Lazarus Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Mohammed Guyo.
In addition, the president underscored that peace in South Sudan is not only vital for the country itself but also a critical pillar of stability across the wider East African region.
“Sustained peace in South Sudan remains a cornerstone of our collective regional stability. Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working together with regional partners and will continue to engage with the Republic of South Sudan in pursuit of sustainable peace, lasting stability, and a secure future for the people of our brotherly nation,” William Ruto’s statement reads.
“At State House, Nairobi, received a comprehensive brief from the Tumaini Initiative mediators, led by retired Lt-General Lazarus Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Mohammed Guyo, on the evolving political and security landscape in South Sudan.
Kenya’s commitment
Ruto’s reaffirmation comes after Prime Cabinet Secretary, who is also the Foreign Affairs CS, Musalia Mudavadi, said that Kenya is committed to ending conflicts in the region.
In a statement shared on X on April 16, 2025, Mudavadi said that Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been embroiled in political turmoil, and Kenya is concerned by these conflicts.
“Kenya remains deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan and continues to call for a lasting political solution to the conflict,” Mudavadi said.
“On the sidelines of the London-Sudan Conference at Lancaster House, I held constructive talks with UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy. As an active member of IGAD, Kenya remains committed to supporting regional dialogue and mediation efforts aimed at restoring peace in Sudan.”
He also stressed the country’s willingness to work with other countries and ensure the end of these conflicts.
“I shared Kenya’s willingness to work closely with the UK and other partners to promote stability, support an inclusive peace process, and enhance humanitarian relief efforts,” Mudavadi added.
“We also reviewed ongoing conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan, and the DRC, which have caused immense suffering across the region. Our shared commitment to regional peace and security remains firm.”
What is Tumaini initiative?
The Tumaini Initiative is an initiative which is backed by regional stakeholders and has been actively facilitating dialogue among South Sudanese leaders and communities in a bid to end years of conflict and lay the groundwork for inclusive governance.
