...By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Kenyan President William Ruto has urged Sudan’s warring generals to put an end to the ongoing conflict, referring to it as “nonsense.”
Speaking at an African Union (AU) gathering of lawmakers in South Africa, Ruto emphasized the need for a rethink of the AU’s approach to addressing conflicts on the continent.
The Sudan war, which has been ongoing for a month, has resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 lives and the displacement of nearly a million people.
Grim Situation and Humanitarian Needs
Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, the prospects for peace remain bleak as previous truces have been violated.
The United Nations estimates that over $3 billion will be required to provide urgent aid in Sudan, a nation already heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance even before the outbreak of the war.
Highlighting AU’s Shortcomings
President Ruto, addressing the Pan-African Parliamentarian Summit, criticized the AU’s shortcomings in addressing conflicts on the continent.
He expressed the need to reevaluate the Peace and Security Committee, the AU’s body responsible for conflict resolution.
Ruto pointed out that the AU’s peace and security efforts heavily rely on external funding, highlighting the need for a more self-sufficient approach.
AU Funding and External Support
The AU’s budget heavily depends on international partners, with member states contributing only 37% of the total budget.
The remaining funding comes from external sources, including the European Union and individual states.
Ruto’s remarks underscored the necessity for greater financial independence and a sustainable funding model for the AU’s peace and security initiatives.
