By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan President, William Ruto who is currently chairing the inaugural Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Quartet meeting on Sudan peace process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has insisted that the war is unacceptable.
The Quartet comprises of representatives from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya which is chairing the high-level delegation.
Speaking on Monday, President Ruto said Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces must also agree to establish a humanitarian zone.
He said the move will stop the loss of lives, ease access to public services and facilitate a settlement of the conflict.
This, he pointed out, will lead to the resumption of the final phase of the political process.
“This will lay the foundation for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Sudan.” he said.
Also, President Ruto, termed the situation in Sudan as dire with data indicating that over 2.9 million people have been displaced.
On the other hand, death toll stands at more than 2,000 as the crisis exerts more pressure on neighbouring countries.
“The intensity and scale of the humanitarian crisis is a harrowing calamity,” he told the meeting.
In Darfur, Dr Ruto stated that targeted inter-ethnic attacks were steadily spiralling towards the commission of genocide.
Present at the meeting Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and representatives from South Sudan and rival factions.
The IGAD Quartet meeting on the Sudan Peace process also aims to establish a sustainable framework that can lead the nation towards a path of reconciliation and development.
