President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya on his first state visit to the United States while elucidating on the challenges to global democracy highlighted other issues facing the continent. His four day trip is an opportunity to push for his vision of an inclusive international financial architecture one that will be beneficial to Africa.
Kenya’s president, William Samoei Ruto on his first state visit to the US has used the window of opportunity to deliver a regional message, one that will set the pace for better bilateral relations.
Upon arrival, his first engagement centered on climate change, financial restructuring and dealing with regional security problems. In line with the ‘Global Democracy Partnership’ talk, at the Carter Centre in Atlanta, President Ruto said the allure of democracy on the continent and around the globe may wane if enthusiasts of freedom of choice continue to wallow in poverty.
The talk was an engagement at the Centre named after former US president Jimmy Carter was attended by US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, Director of Carter presidential library and Museum, Congresswoman Nikema William, Chair of the Center board, Paige Alexander and CEO, Meredith Evans.
President Ruto who was expected to speak on the growth of democracy in his country, Kenya did not hesitate to speak about the challenges facing the continent citing unconstitutional changes in government and a surging economic impasse urging on various stakeholders to reflect on the need to strengthen democracy worldwide.
In the last three years, Africa has witnessed numerous coups with the military ousting civilian leaders for failure to address economic and security challenges. Sudan, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon and there were two attempted coups recently in The Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. As it is evident this countries have tend away from their allies, President Ruto argues that African nations need a robust financial architecture that could support their economies, build resilience and energize their democratic enterprise.
