Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Paul Kagame reveal S Sudan crisis to dominate AU summit

By Standard Digital Reporter

NAIROBI, KENYA: The ongoing political crisis in South Sudan will feature prominently at the Africa Union Summit later this month, Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Paul Kagame have revealed.

At a meeting in Nairobi, the two leaders affirmed their support to ongoing efforts spearheaded by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the AU, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the international community to end the conflict.

The two expressed optimism that an amicable solution to the crisis in Africa’s youngest nation would be found soon.

The conflict in South Sudan began on December 15 between forces loyal to President salva Kiir and forces loyal to Mr Riek Machar, his former vice-president.

According to the UN, the fighting has killed "very substantially in excess" of 1,000 people.

President Kagame has been in the country for an official visit and on Monday addressed the Governors’ summit in Naivasha.

In today's meeting, the two leaders discussed regional integration, the South Sudan conflict, the forthcoming African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit and other bilateral issues.

President Kenyatta and President Kagame noted the progress achieved in the East African integration process and urged citizens of the member states to take advantage of the accruing benefits.

President Kenyatta and President Kagame lauded the existing cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda and agreed to work closely to enhance cooperation for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries.