President Ruto, alongside world leaders, strongly denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, labeling it as unlawful, unjust, and a violation of international law. He emphasized the need for all parties involved to show goodwill, adopt flexible stances, and work towards achieving lasting peace.
During the inaugural Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, Ruto emphasized the importance of collective global efforts to resolve the conflict. He lamented the devastating impact of the war, including its repercussions in Africa, such as the increase in fertilizer prices.
Despite the focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ruto urged the international community not to overlook the ongoing conflicts in Africa, which continue to disrupt social stability.
“Africa’s many long-running and long-forgotten wars continue unabated, wreaking unimaginable devastation on a daily basis,” he told the Summit.
He argued that nearly 16 different conflicts are raging “on our continent”, from the Western Sahel to the Horn of Africa in the East, and from the Lake Chad basin to the Great Lakes region.
“In the Sudan, a senseless war continues to cause death, destruction and hopelessness among people.”
President Ruto noted that the conflicts are so adverse that countries are facing acute food insecurity.
He added that the instabilities had led to displacement and death of millions of people.
“This is indicative of a dysfunctional global peace architecture, and a failure of leadership,” he told the world leaders.
