President Ruto Seeks Stronger US Ties to Bolster Regional Stability and Development

During his inaugural State Visit to the United States, Kenyan President William Ruto delivered a compelling regional message while engaging in bilateral discussions.

Although he addressed pertinent topics such as climate change, financial restructuring, and regional security concerns, his remarks also underscored his apprehension that democracy's allure might wane among those grappling with poverty, particularly in Africa. President Ruto's observations were articulated during his participation in the "Global Democracy Partnership" at the Carter Center in Atlanta, an institution named after former US President Jimmy Carter. The event garnered the presence of several distinguished figures, including Carter's grandson Jason, Chair of the Carter Center Board Paige Alexander, CEO of Carter Center Meredith Evans, Director of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Congresswoman Nikema William, and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

Although President Ruto's primary intention was to discuss the growth of democracy in Kenya, he astutely seized the opportunity to highlight the formidable challenges confronting the African continent. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, President Ruto noted that unconstitutional changes of government have threatened democratic progress in various African nations, emphasizing the paramount importance of fortifying democracy worldwide. He attributed the heightened risk of associating democracy and free markets with poverty and suffering to the convergence of an unjust global financial system and imperfect multilateralism linked to the free market economy. This alarming trend has fueled widespread worry that democracy is under siege in numerous regions across the world, including Africa.

President Ruto observed that six African nations have succumbed to coups within the past three years due to economic and security challenges. In the aftermath of these coups, some nations have realigned their foreign policies and severed certain bilateral agreements with Western countries like the US and France, while others have been rendered incapable of governing themselves following civil wars. President Ruto believes that the decision to abandon previously successful systems stems from disillusionment with the current global trend of narrow nationalism, intolerance, targeting of minorities, violent political contests, and other anti-democratic behaviours.

Expressing pride in Kenya's democratic process, President Ruto recounted how he was elected through a system that allowed for legal challenges, a narrative he reiterated during his visit to Atlanta. The Head of State is scheduled to meet with US Congressmen this Wednesday to delve into the profound impact of poverty and debt on democracy in Africa. During his visit to Atlanta, President Ruto underscored the pressing need for a fair financial system that provides developing countries with concessional development financing which can be channelled towards strengthening their economies, combating the effects of climate change, and promoting free market principles.

Acknowledging the inherited debt burdens from past administrations, President Ruto, while having borrowed more to address this issue, recognizes the pivotal role of proper taxation in supporting the country's economic growth. In Atlanta, he implored the US to collaborate in providing credit to impoverished nations which he deems crucial to safeguarding democracy for future generations. However, Washington remains apprehensive about the potential for violence and arms smuggling in certain regions, such as Sudan, and the ripple effects this could have on neighbouring countries.

It is plausible that Ruto will update his host on any progress or obstacles encountered in this regard. Despite a year of conflict during which Sudan's opposing factions rejected all offers for a ceasefire, the United States has recently expressed support for local resolutions through the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. In February, President Ruto was entrusted with the responsibility of implementing reforms at the African Union to enhance its capacity to develop the continent. The Head of State underscored the opportunity for the US to collaborate with Kenya and the broader African continent in creating the institutional capacities necessary for economic prosperity, peace, and security for Africa's 1.4 billion people.