Naantali, Finland — Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi delivered a direct rebuke to Western powers over foreign interference in Africa’s internal conflicts, warning that one-sided international actions are weakening peace efforts across the continent.
Speaking at the 13th Kultaranta Talks, held at the official summer residence of Finland’s president, Mudavadi said the rise of unilateralism is undermining African-led mediation processes and destabilizing regions like the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes.
“We need to reassert the global rule of law. Multilateralism is under attack from unilateral actions where might is being mistaken for what’s right,” Mudavadi said. “We must restore respect for multilateralism because it is the only way we will find common solutions to global problems.”
The session focused on Europe’s response to global instability and featured Presidents Alexander Stubb (Finland), Alar Karis (Estonia), and Edgars Rinkēvičs (Latvia). Moderators included Fareed Zakaria and Francine Lacqua. Mudavadi used the platform to highlight the mounting challenges African nations face due to international players inserting themselves into local disputes.
He argued that peace processes in Africa have become longer and more expensive because external actors often pick sides, turning conflicts into proxy struggles over resources.
“Africa is facing renewed proxy battles, especially over critical minerals,” Mudavadi said. “We’re watching a new scramble for Africa unfold, and it’s costing lives and delaying peace.”
Citing current unrest across Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel, he said over 500 million Africans are directly affected by ongoing violence. The instability, he noted, is disrupting access to food, healthcare, and education for millions.
“We are staring at a real crisis. Children can’t go to school. Hospitals are overwhelmed or nonexistent. More mouths to feed, and nearly 60% of the population is exposed to insecurity,” he warned.
Mudavadi called for an end to power-driven foreign engagements that ignore local needs and worsen regional weaknesses. Instead, he urged partners to base their relationships with Africa on respect, common goals, and long-term solutions—not exploitation or dependency.
“Too often, external involvement deepens our fragilities and ignores the lasting impact on regional peace and development,” he said.
Beyond Africa, the forum also addressed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Mudavadi warned the war poses a serious global risk and could directly affect Kenya by disrupting oil supply chains and exports of tea to Iran.
“It is our wish that the international community will quickly rally to find a resolution to this issue with all the urgency it deserves,” he said.
The Kultaranta Talks brought together an estimated 140 invited participants from across Europe and beyond, including legislators, policy experts, scholars, civil society leaders, and business executives. The gathering was designed to spark open discussions on international peace and security amid growing global instability.
Mudavadi’s comments reflected Kenya’s broader diplomatic position: a firm defense of African sovereignty and a call for equal global partnerships based on fairness and respect.
