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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has withdrawn from African Union (AU) peace talks on the Ethiopian-Tigray conflict scheduled for Saturday, October 8, 2022.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the African Union, Mousa Faki Mahamat, the former head of state noted that he was incapable of attending the talks set to take place in South Africa because there was conflicts in his schedule.

“I wish to convey my warmest regards to you and the African Union (AU) team that is working hard to organize the AU-Convened Peace Talks on Ethiopia. It is my hope that both the Ethiopian Government and the Tigrayan Regional Leadership will take part in this Pan-African effort to end the conflict in their country,” part of the letter reads in parts.

“My attention has been drawn to a communique Ref: CCP/Y695.10.22 dated October 1, 2022, regarding the Ethiopian Peace Process scheduled for October 8, 2022, in South Africa. Regrettably, I wish to notify your good office that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks scheduled for October 9, 2022, in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule,” he added.

Uhuru asks for clarity

Uhuru additionally asked the AU to clarify on the structure and modalities of the talks so as to help in preparations for his future engagement and participation.

“However, in the interim and as you consider the possibility for 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. This clarification would greatly help in preparations for my engagement and participation.” he alluded.

Uhuru was appointed to the task by President William Ruto.

Ruto while addressing the nation after taking the oath of office revealed that retired President Kenyatta would be steering peace initiatives in the region.

“On the peace initiatives in our region including both in Ethiopia and Great Lakes Region, I have asked my elder brother President Uhuru Kenyatta who has done commendable engagement with those regions and he has graciously agreed to continue chairing those discussions on behalf of the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.

Uhuru to serve as a panelist

In the peace talks set to be facilitated by former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo, Uhuru was expected to serve as a panellist alongside former United Nations (UN) Executive Director Phumzile Mambo-Ngcuka.

“Within the context of the ongoing African Union-led peace process for Ethiopia, I have the honour to invite you to the Peace Talks, scheduled to take place in South Africa Sunday, October 9, 2022,” an invitation letter shared by Faki reads in parts.