President Ruto to Participate in IGAD Summit in Djibouti

President William Ruto of Kenya is to depart the country on Saturday for Djibouti to participate in the 41st Extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The summit, which will be attended by leaders from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and the host nation, is expected to address pressing regional and international issues.

The IGAD summit’s agenda includes discussions on crucial matters such as security, trade, infrastructure, energy, and climate change.

This initiative follows the 40th Extraordinary Assembly held virtually on April 16, 2023, specifically focusing on the situation in Sudan.

The Heads of State expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in the Republic of Sudan, primarily due to ongoing clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in various parts of Khartoum and Merowe.

President Ruto’s participation comes on the heels of his recent two-day state visit to India and attendance at the UN Climate Summit (COP 28) in Dubai, where he passionately advocated for Kenya and Africa’s climate agenda.