Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Kenyan National Security Advisor Monica Juma

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan called Dr. Monica Juma today to congratulate her on her appointment as Kenya's first-ever National Security Advisor.

Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Juma discussed their shared concerns about the escalation of conflict in northern Ethiopia and the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis, which worsens each day. Mr. Sullivan urged that the Government of Ethiopia and Tigrayan regional authorities meeting in Pretoria, South Africa for talks next week agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, Eritrea's withdrawal, and accountability for human rights violations.

Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Juma also expressed concern over the devastating Horn of Africa drought, under which Kenyans are suffering alongside their neighbors in Ethiopia and Somalia. The United States has provided more than $2 billion this fiscal year alone in response to the drought in the Horn of Africa, representing more than half of all humanitarian funding to the region to address this situation.

Mr. Sullivan and Dr. Juma reaffirmed the close partnership between the United States and Kenya, and pledged to deepen our cooperation on regional and global challenges.