President William Ruto has urged for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the urgent need for peace in the region.
Speaking on Sunday night as Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), President Ruto expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis and escalating violence.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
“The ongoing conflicts are of great concern to the people and governments of East Africa. Noting the worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing military actions, including the closure of airspace in Goma, I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” Ruto stated.
In line with the EAC Summit’s November 2024 decision for constructive engagement, President Ruto confirmed that an extraordinary EAC Summit would be convened within 48 hours to address the crisis.
He noted that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame had confirmed their participation in the summit.
“The suffering caused by these conflicts, particularly for women and children, necessitates immediate engagement, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he said, adding that Kenya, as the EAC Chair, is committed to facilitating dialogue and de-escalating violence.Ruto also called on the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to join efforts with the EAC and the international community to encourage peaceful resolutions.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC, marked by rising tensions between the DRC government and rebel groups such as M23, has persisted despite regional and international efforts.
Kenya has contributed through the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) under the EAC Regional Force, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta has played a key role as a facilitator of peace talks.
President Ruto reiterated the need for all parties to prioritize engagement and peace restoration, emphasizing, “The EAC stands ready to forge stronger collaboration to encourage warring parties to prioritize dialogue and good neighborliness.”
The EAC Summit is expected to chart a way forward amid mounting pressure to resolve the crisis and restore stability in the Eastern DRC.
