Ruto, Blinken hold talks on humanitarian situation in Sudan

More than 500 deaths have been reported with the true number of casualties believed to be much higher.

In Summary

• President Ruto noted that Sudan situation is getting worse.

• His remarks come a few days after the calls for ceasefire to allow for evacuations failed to hold in Sudan.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with President William Ruto in Washington.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with President William Ruto in Washington.
Image: FILE

President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday held talks on the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.

The two leaders, according to Ruto, discussed ways that can be explored to bring the conflict to an end.

"Had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken on alleviating the humanitarian crisis and discussed ways to end the conflict," he said.

President Ruto noted that Sudan's situation is getting worse.

He added that Kenya will work together with the US and other regional and international organisations to create a humanitarian response.

"The humanitarian situation in Sudan is worsening. Kenya will work closely with the United States, IGAD, AU, UN agencies and other friendly countries to coordinate a humanitarian response to the crisis," Ruto said.

His remarks come a few days after the calls for a ceasefire to allow for evacuations failed to hold in Sudan.

Despite an earlier request for a three-day ceasefire, the warring factions continued fighting. This is despite calls for an extension of the truce to allow civilians to leave the country.

Air strikes have pounded Sudan's capital, Khartoum with the army saying it was attacking the city to flush out its paramilitary rivals, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

More than 500 deaths have been reported with the true number of casualties believed to be much higher.

Millions remain trapped in Khartoum.

More than 70% of health facilities in the capital have been forced to close as a result of the fighting that erupted on 15 April.

Foreign countries have been evacuating their nationals amid the chaos.

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