LONDON- The Commonwealth Secretariat has today held the first instance of a new forum for discussion and dialogue with political leaders and thinkers from within the Commonwealth. 

The inaugural Marlborough Dialogues, held its first session today, welcoming Dr William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya to London to speak on the importance of the Commonwealth Charter and Commonwealth values to Kenya and its democracy.  

The Marlborough Dialogues, which take their name from the historic headquarters building of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, will provide an international platform for member states to explore solutions to their biggest challenges and the opportunity to discuss key issues affecting the development of free and democratic societies.  

Moderated by High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UK, H.E. Kevin Isaac, the session with Deputy President of Kenya HE Dr William Ruto examined democracy in Africa and peaceful transfers of power in the region - with a particular focus on Kenya's general election later this year.

Ahead of the event, Dr William Ruto, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya said: 

“The Marlborough Dialogues are part of a framework for friends who belong to the Commonwealth family to engage, share experiences, learn from one another, celebrate what has worked and see what has not worked, so we can build consensus and move forward in the same direction.   

“They are a coming together of the Commonwealth family so we can build on the successes of our democracies, build on the development programmes that we share and continuously engage to make our world a better place for all our peoples to live in.” 

Speaking on the upcoming Kenyan general election Dr Ruto added:  

“We have stated publicly and unequivocally, we will do our utmost best to make sure the election are free, fair and peaceful. 

“We will accept the outcome of the elections and decision of the people of Kenya” 

The Marlborough Dialogues is one approach the Secretariat is using to deepen its interaction with member states, providing a forum to articulate their priorities, and to better align the Secretariat’s work to member states’ needs and aspirations. It is embedded within a whole-of-election cycle approach, whereby the Secretariat seeks to support democracy in member countries at all times and not only in election periods.  

Speaking on the Marlborough Dialogues the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland said:  

"Dialogue matters. Conversations like this help to demonstrate that the Commonwealth, our Charter and our values are more relevant and important than ever. The Marlborough Dialogues enable us to bring people together to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the culture, process and institutions of democracy, and bolster the foundations for peace and prosperity across the Commonwealth. 

Fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition and armed youths, which began in Mirmir Payam, has spread to several villages in Koch, Mayiandit and Leer.

“UNMISS strongly condemns the violence at a time when humanitarian needs are rising, and people are already reeling from the worst flooding in decades," the statement said.

Killings, rapes and looting 

The violence has been mounting over the past two weeks.

Civilians have been killed, while others were injured or forced to flee their homes. Property was destroyed and humanitarian supplies were also looted in the violence. 

Nine women were raped between 22 and 23 February, health facilities in Leer town reported.

Prevent further escalation

UNMISS has appealed to national and local leaders, and armed groups, to immediately stop the violence. 

"The Mission urges national and local authorities to take immediate measures to reduce tensions and to prevent further escalation of the situation,” the statement said. 

UNMISS will ramp up patrols and continue to work with stakeholders at the state, national and local level, as well as communities, to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions and insecurity.  

It also plans to conduct missions to the affected areas to assess the situation and document allegations of violations and abuses. 

The statement calls for authorities to carry out timely investigations and urges the Government to hold accountable those responsible for instigating and participating in the violence. - United Nations