Our wise Swahili elders said a boat does not move without helpers. As responsible neighbours, Kenya should stand up and help end the suffering faced by citizens of Ethiopia and Sudan.
Over a year ago, Ethiopia began a massive military offensive against forces in the Tigray region. Reports of sexual violence, starvation, and lack of medical assistance point to extreme suffering for the people trapped in the region, especially women and children, who often bear the brunt of war.
Kenya has shown concern about the crisis in Ethiopia. On November 3, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a statement calling for a political solution to the political and civilian crisis. Later, he held a private discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and President Sahle-Work Zewde, presumably about the conflict.
A military coup in October in Sudan has led to protests by citizens who are calling for a return of civilian rule. Protestors have been met with violence, and dozens have been killed and more injured. It’s difficult to follow the events in Sudan due to the internet shutdown. The untold suffering calls for urgent intervention by Sudan’s neighbours.
Khartoum and Nairobi have established a mutually important relationship over the years. Kenya has offered to support Sudan as it emerges from years of autocratic rule and has initiated a transition process with joint civilian and military rule.
With the breakdown of the transition process, Kenya should now walk the talk in urging for civilian rule in Sudan.
Kenya hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in the Eastern Africa region. This shows that Kenya is concerned about citizens from the region. But more can be done to end the immense suffering that has resulted from regional political instability.
As a member of the UN Security Council, Kenya has an important seat at the international table. On this platform, Kenya can urge the global community to prioritise discussions on Ethiopia and Sudan. This could be an opportunity for Kenya to encourage countries to pledge their support for the people of Ethiopia and Sudan and ensure peace and stability in the region.
The AU Security Council, of which Kenya is a member, is an important forum where African leaders strategise solutions for their countries. As Africans, we often speak about the need to come up with our own solutions. This is an opportune moment to show what that kind of leadership means. Kenya should lead African leaders in negotiating for lasting peace in Ethiopia and Sudan.
Kenya clearly has the platform to show leadership in ending political instability in the region. Kenyan citizens have expressed concern and sympathy for the citizens of Ethiopia and Sudan.
It’s time for Kenyan leaders to listen to their citizens. It’s time to show what good neighbourliness means practically for the victims of conflict, aside from speeches and press releases.
