Let’s do more to protect peace in East Africa

Members of Amhara region militias ride on their truck as they head to face the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), in Sanja, Amhara region near a border with Tigray, Ethiopia November 9, 2020. [Reuters]

Our wise Swahili elders said a boat does not move without helpers. As responsible neighbours, Kenya should stand up and be counted as a helper to end the suffering faced by citizens of Ethiopia and Sudan.

Over a year ago, Ethiopia began a massive military offensive against forces in its northernmost Tigray region. Reports of sexual violence, starvation and lack of medical assistance point to extreme suffering for people trapped in the region, especially women and children, who often bear the brunt of war. Kenya has shown concern about the crisis in Ethiopia. On November 3, 2021, President Kenyatta called for a political solution to the political and civilian crisis. Later, President Kenyatta held a private discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and President Sahle-Work Zewde, presumably about the conflict.