Video Of Uhuru Speaking After Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Deal

President Ruto on the same day commended his predecessor for his efforts in negotiating peace between the leadership bodies during his assignment in South Africa.

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Nov 3, 2022 - 05:56
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Video Of Uhuru Speaking After Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Deal
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking after President Abiy Ahmed (right) and Tigray leader exchange signed peace agreements following the AU peace talks in South Africa on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. /TWITTER.ROMAIN CHANSON

A video of former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking for the first time since handing over power to President William Ruto on Tuesday, September 13 emerged on Wednesday, November 2.

Uhuru was in Pretoria, South Africa whereby he succeeded in his first international assignment since his successor appointed him as Kenya's special envoy to Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He was among the delegates that secured a truce between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leadership of Tigray, ending a civil war in the neighbouring country that lasted two years.

Here is the video:

Addressing journalists after the pact was signed between Abiy and the Tigray Leadership, Uhuru assured that there was one solution to end conflicts between leaders.

“Violence bullets and guns will not be the solution ultimately as has been the case with the warring Ethiopian parties today. The lasting solution can only come through political dialogue. People sit, engage and agree that they have differences because they do.

“But agree that the lasting solution can only be through political engagement, political dialogue and being able to accommodate differences and diversity, while still remaining a United Ethiopia or for that matter a United Africa,” he said.

President Ruto on the same day commended his predecessor for his efforts in negotiating peace between the leadership bodies during his assignment in South Africa.

“I commend the AU Panelists, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa; H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya; H.E Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuke former South African deputy President, for their facilitation and tireless efforts, wisdom and patience, and most of all, for their unity of purpose that brought this day of peace that heralds a bright future for the people,” Ruto said.

Ruto further praised the Ethiopian leaders for the decision, adding that Kenya will continue to champion efforts for peace and security in the country.

"I salute the great people of Ethiopia, for whom I wish an era of cohesion, integration and reconciliation. The mutual agreement will create the necessary environment to nurture durable peace and political stability in Ethiopia," the statement by State House read in part.

The talks that began on October 25 had hit a bump after the African Union (AU) reportedly postponed the peace talks that were to take place on October 8 owing to logistical issues.

Uhuru wrote a letter to African Union Chairman, Mousa Faki, stating that the talks collided with his schedule because he had other prior commitments.

“Regrettably, I wish to notify your good office that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks scheduled for October 8, 2022, in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule.

“However, in the interim and as you consider the possibility of another date for the peace talks, I would be grateful to receive further clarity on the structure and modalities of the talks, including but not limited to the rules of engagement for all the interlocutors invited,” the retired president wrote.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over the instruments of power to Kenya's fifth President William Ruto at Kasarani Stadium. /TWITTER

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