President William Ruto traveled to Tanzania on Friday evening to participate in the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit brings together regional leaders in an effort to ease tensions and promote peace in the troubled eastern DRC.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, along with top government officials, led the farewell delegation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Among those present were Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa.
“Seen off President William Ruto as he departed for Tanzania to attend the joint EAC-SADC Summit on the situation in the DRC,” DP Kindiki stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The summit, hosted in Tanzania’s capital Dodoma, aims to foster diplomatic solutions to the escalating violence in the DRC, particularly in the eastern region, where armed groups have intensified their activities, displacing thousands of civilians. The EAC and SADC have been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts, with Kenya playing a crucial role through its peace initiatives in the region.
Kenya has been a key player in promoting stability in the DRC, with its military previously deployed as part of the EAC Regional Force (EACRF) to mitigate conflict. However, the force’s withdrawal earlier this year, following disagreements with the Congolese government, has raised concerns about the resurgence of violence. The current summit is expected to explore renewed strategies for peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.
President Ruto’s presence at the summit underscores Kenya’s commitment to regional stability and its role in fostering diplomatic negotiations. His participation follows his previous engagements with EAC leaders in seeking long-term solutions for the DRC conflict.
As the meeting progresses, key discussions are expected to focus on bolstering joint military operations, strengthening diplomatic engagement with all parties involved in the conflict, and formulating a unified approach toward lasting peace. The participation of both EAC and SADC leaders highlights the significance of a collaborative regional response.
The outcome of the summit will be closely watched as stakeholders anticipate concrete resolutions that could steer the DRC toward a path of peace and security. Kenya’s continued involvement in the mediation efforts signals its broader role in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution.
