Why African Union Has Differed with President Ruto

The warfare between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has drawn varied round-ups of reactions from leaders worldwide.

Over 200 people were killed, and some 1,500 injured on Saturday, October 7, after the Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel.

With the tragic developments, world leaders came out to call for the de-escalation of the conflict, others taking sides already.

Kenya's President William Ruto sent a statement subtly condemning the Palestinians, adding that Nairobi was in solidarity with Israel and wished quick recovery to those wounded in the attacks.

"Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country. The people of Kenya and their government hereby express their deepest sympathy and send condolences to the families of all victims. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured," said Ruto.

Ruto's statement mirrored that of President Joe Biden of the United States, who said that;

"The United States stands with Israel...We will not ever fail to have their back."

The African Union would, however, appear to side with the Palestinians whose rights it said had been stepped on.

AU chairperson Moussa Faki called for a cease-fire, stating that the outsider forces meddling in the affairs of Palestine was the basis of the unending conflict.

"The chairperson wishes to recall that denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the leading cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension.

The Chairperson urgently appeals to both parties to put an end to military hostilities and to return, without conditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two States living side by side, to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people and the Israeli people," partly read the AU statement.

The AU's statement was translated as representative of Africa, with Ruto's pronouncement appearing out of place. 

Without taking sides, President Yoweri Museveni condemned the attacks on the civilians, calling for a ceasefire.

"The break out of renewed violence in Israel- Palestine is regrettable. Why don’t the two sides implement the two States’ Solution? To be condemned, in particular, is the practice of targeting civilians and non-combatants by the belligerents," he said.