President William Ruto has underscored the critical importance of peace, security, and stability within the East African Community (EAC) as a foundation for economic growth and sustainable development. Speaking during the 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held in Arusha, Tanzania, Ruto emphasized the collective responsibility of the region’s leadership in fostering an environment conducive to investment and business.
Ruto’s call to action comes at a time when the EAC is grappling with challenges of instability, including conflicts in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Kenyan President noted that without peace, it would be nearly impossible to attract investment or allow citizens to engage in meaningful economic activities.
“We all know that it is not possible to invest or to attract investment, it is not possible to do business unless there is peace, security, and stability. That is why it is and must be our collective effort to keep our region peaceful and to invest in the security and stability of our region,” said Ruto.
Kenya’s Role in South Sudan’s Peace Process
President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s commitment to South Sudan’s peace process, a critical component of the region’s stability. He revealed that Kenya had stepped up to support South Sudan’s journey towards reconciliation and national unity at the request of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“It is the reason why Kenya has invested in working with South Sudan at the request of President Salva Kiir. When he requested me to provide a forum, a platform, and a mechanism for the people of South Sudan to talk amongst themselves, Kenya was ready, willing, and available to do that,” Ruto stated.
Ruto expressed optimism about the progress made in the ongoing talks between various South Sudanese actors. He noted that the dialogues, aimed at unifying the country and preparing it for elections, were yielding results and were on course to be concluded in the coming months.
“There is tremendous progress that has been made in the discussions between the different actors in South Sudan. We intend to conclude this in a couple of months so that South Sudan can continue to do what they must do as a country going into elections, unifying the country, and playing its rightful place in the EAC,” Ruto explained.
Regional Peace as a Pillar for Development
President Ruto’s remarks resonate deeply within the EAC bloc, where economic integration has been prioritized as a key driver of development. However, persistent insecurity in parts of the region threatens these ambitions. The DRC, the newest member of the EAC, continues to face internal strife, while South Sudan’s fragile peace process remains a concern.
Ruto’s emphasis on peace aligns with the bloc’s goals of fostering trade, investment, and free movement of people. The EAC’s potential as an economic powerhouse can only be realized if its leaders collectively address security challenges.
Progress at the EAC Summit
The summit in Arusha brought together leaders from the seven EAC member states: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC. Discussions centered on deepening integration, enhancing regional security, and bolstering economic cooperation.
Ruto’s leadership in championing regional peace is seen as a continuation of Kenya’s long-standing role in mediating conflicts within the EAC and beyond. The country has previously hosted peace talks for Sudan and Somalia and has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to regional crises.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
As the EAC navigates the complexities of security and development, Ruto’s call for collective responsibility underscores the need for unity among member states. His vision of a peaceful and stable EAC is one where the region’s potential can be fully realized, benefiting millions of its citizens.
“Our commitment to peace is not just for one country it is for the entire region. We must rise to the occasion and ensure that the EAC is a beacon of stability and prosperity,” Ruto concluded.
The months ahead will be crucial as South Sudan works towards its elections and as the EAC collectively addresses its challenges, guided by a shared commitment to peace and development.
