At one of the forums, the Prime Minister of Kenya and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Policy and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, spoke about global attempts to stop the war in Sudan. He called on African mediators to consider whether the continent itself is contributing to the strengthening of a commercialized approach to peace.
In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape, peaceful settlement is no longer the only engine of peacekeeping efforts. They are increasingly influenced by geostrategic rivalry, unstable alliances, and deal diplomacy.
Mudavadi shared his impressions of participating in international forums on the Sudan crisis, including meetings in Paris, Addis Ababa and London. In his opinion, the London event revealed the difficulties of mediation. «Humanitarian issues were discussed for a day and a half, but it was not possible to work out a single communique». The failure of the forum is also alarming because representatives of Sudan were absent. «The Sudanese participants were not present. A general statement did not appear because the external powers could not agree».
The London Conference on Sudan, held in April 2025, the second anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict, was organized by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the African and European Unions. By this time, the conflict between the regular army of Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces and their allies had turned into one of the most severe humanitarian disasters, forcing millions of people to flee their homes.
According to Mudavadi, the London forum has shown how geopolitical contradictions complicate the settlement of African conflicts. Even if there is agreement on humanitarian issues, external interests can paralyze diplomatic efforts. He believes that it is necessary to rethink the methods of peace mediation in Africa. «Prolonged conflicts and the splitting of subjects call into question the classical models of settlement. The global agenda and pressure on multilateral mechanisms undermine the coherence and effectiveness of mediation».
This point of view reflects the transformation of the African security architecture. Conflicts increasingly involve multiple actors, and external Powers are actively involved in negotiations. Regional structures are forced to act in conditions where the coherence of the superpowers is not guaranteed. Mudawadi stressed that Africa's role in peace processes remains relevant. «African independence in conflict resolution determines the legitimacy and stability of the results».
Institutions such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have the potential to coordinate peacekeeping activities in the Horn of Africa, but need the support of national Governments. «The participating countries should ensure regular and stable financing of IGAD programs».
Recognizing the importance of international partnerships, he cautioned against external assistance becoming the basis of peacekeeping initiatives at the regional level. «We appreciate the support of international partners, but it should be supportive, not primary», he said. Mudavadi addressed his harshest remarks not to foreign governments, but to the leaders of African countries. According to him, the continent often undermines its own structures, trusting external peacekeeping projects more than the ideas of regional associations. «Africans themselves often doubt the authority of our institutions. The African Union offers reasonable solutions, but you ignore them. When someone from outside offers a similar initiative, you accept it. As a result, you sign an agreement that you previously rejected from your organization». This, in his opinion, leads to the erosion of African independence in conflict resolution.
Mudawadi also linked peace, mediation and the economic prospects of the region, saying that armed conflicts prevent countries from using shared infrastructure and natural resources. Speaking about the consequences of the Sudanese conflict and instability, he stressed the untapped opportunities for energy cooperation. «South Sudan is rich in oil, Mozambique and Tanzania are rich in gas. But due to conflicts, these resources are unavailable». Effective mediation could unlock prospects beyond political stability. «Imagine if the peacekeeping process had removed all barriers. Ethiopia could buy fuel from its neighbors, Kenya could import gas, Tanzania and Mozambique could sell gas on our market. This would be of great benefit to the Horn of Africa and the entire continent».
According to Mudavadi, the discussion of mediation goes beyond diplomacy. The question is whether Africa will be able to retain the right to determine its own future in the face of a geopolitical struggle. His reflections on whether mediation is becoming transactional, whether African institutions are being displaced, and whether the continent is destroying its peaceful architecture lay the foundation for a dialogue that will shape African diplomacy for years to come. Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu added that the difficulties of African mediation reflect global changes in the international system.
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