Kenya and Guinea-Bissau have expressed concern over the conflicts in Sudan and eastern DRC, and called on Africa’s collaboration to help restore peace and stability.
Speaking on Saturday during a press briefing at State House, Nairobi, with Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who was on a State Visit, President William Ruto said peace and security must take precedence as they are the foundation for unlocking Africa’s potential for industrialisation, job creation and wealth creation.
“There cannot be much investment and trade in an environment of conflict and insecurity,” the President said.
The President praised Guinea-Bissau’s contributions to peacekeeping and security efforts within the region, and reiterated Kenya’s readiness to collaborate in advancing peace initiatives in Africa.
He made the remarks amidst escalating fighting between M23 rebels and government and peacekeeping forces in eastern DRC, as wel as in Sudan.
The military governor of North Kivu province died on Thursday from injuries sustained during the army’s fight against the M23 rebel group as it advances towards the city of Goma.
Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who led the province since 2023, died after being shot near the frontline in Kasangezi, according to the DRC government and UN sources.
On Saturday, South Africa, Malawi and Uruguay announced that soldiers from their respective armies were killed as they battled to halt the advance of M23 rebel fighters in the eastern DRC.
The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) said nine of its soldiers were killed during a pitched battle with M23 fighters as they attempted to advance on the city of Goma, the key city in the mineral-rich east.
“The M23 hostile forces had launched a full-scale attack on our troops with the intention of taking over Goma but were unable to advance due to the heroic resistance put up by our gallant fighters,” the SANDF said in a statement.
More than 178,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks alone as the M23 gained swathes of territory in eastern DRC. On Friday it was clashing with the army outside Goma.
The UK, the US and France urged citizens to leave the city, warning the situation could deteriorate rapidly.
Earlier this month, the rebels captured the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi.
On Tuesday, they took control of Minova, a vital trade hub for Goma about 30 miles from the city. Two days later, they captured Sake, a town about 15 miles from Goma.
In Sudan, fighting around al-Jaili, the country’s largest oil refinery, set the sprawling complex ablaze.
Satellite data analyzed by The Associated Press on Saturday showed sending thick, black smoke over Khartoum, the country’s capital that is under control of Rapid Support Forces rebels.
Forces loyal to Sudan’s military under army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan later claimed they captured the refinery, owned by Sudan’s government and the state-run China National Petroleum Corp. The facility represents a long-sought prize for the military in its civil war with the rebel Rapid Support Force, CNN reported.
In a statement released Thursday, the Sudanese military alleged the RSF was responsible for the fire at the refinery.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns over the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan, calling for genuine dialogue to end the conflict.
Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra said the latter was especially concerned about the situation in Darfur and around the al-Jili oil refinery located north of Khartoum.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to refrain from all actions that could have dangerous consequences for Sudan and the region, including serious economic and environmental implications,” he said in statement.
Lamamra called an immediate cessation of hostilities to save lives among Sudanese civilians, emphasizing that a sustainable end to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.
President Embaló reaffirmed Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to pursuing peace and stability in Africa for shared prosperity.
DIRECT FLIGHTS TO GUINE-BISSAU
President Ruto said the two states are committed to deepening diplomatic and trade ties based on mutual respect and a shared vision for prosperity.
The President they are keen on ehancing trade and investment for the benefit of the citizens of the two nations.
In this regard, Ruto announced that the two states were exploring the opening of a Kenya Airways route to Guinea-Bissau to enhance connectivity between the nations.
He also disclosed that Kenya will offer scholarships to students in Guinea-Bissau, pointing out that the support will focus on agriculture, trade and tourism.
SUPPORT FOR RAILA’S AUC BID
The President thanked President Embaló for endorsing Kenya’s candidate for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson for the 2025–2028 term.
He acknowledged President Embaló’s instrumental role in canvassing support in West Africa.
“I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritising the needs and aspirations of Member States,” he said.
On his part, President Embaló emphasised his commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
He said that both nations will establish robust frameworks to solidify their cooperation.
During the Saturday briefing, President Ruto said Africa should position itself to take advantage of 21st-century opportunities, particularly in mineral and energy resources, and human capital.
He said this would be achieved by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, which brings together COMESA, East African Community (EAC) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
“Together, we are committed to harnessing this potential to drive economic growth for the benefit of our people,” he said.
AU REFORMS
As the Champion of African Union Institutional Reforms, President Ruto said he would work with Guinea-Bissau to advance reforms of the African Union, promote peace and drive economic growth.
This would include restructuring the African Court of Justice to provide legal mechanisms for resolving disputes and aligning the role of the Pan-African Parliament to make it fit for purpose.
“These reforms are essential to ensuring that the AU’s institutions remain responsive, effective and aligned with the evolving needs of our continent,” he said.
