Nairobi, 15 June, 2024 / 9:04 pm (ACI Africa).
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has expressed his support for Pope Francis’ call for an end to violence in all parts of the world, including the Northeastern African nation of Sudan, the Central African country of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the East-Central African nation of South Sudan.
In remarks following an audience with the Holy Father on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy, President Ruto recognized the role of the Rome-based Lay Catholic association dedicated to the provision of social services and arbitrating conflicts, Sant’Egidio Community and lauded the “Tumaini (Hope) Initiative”, a project that South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has undertaken to realize a lasting solution to the protracted crisis in his country.
“Kenya joins Pope Francis in calling for (an) urgent end to violence in all parts of the world including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” the Kenyan President said Friday, June 14 after the audience with Pope Francis.
He added, “We are encouraged that the Tumaini Initiative that is co-sponsored by the Sant’ Egidio Catholic Community in Rome Italy, and the government of Kenya is yielding fruits in bringing lasting peace in South Sudan.”
President Ruto said he was “confident that the warring groups will agree to stop the fighting and give peace a chance.”