President William Ruto has urged an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic intervention to de-escalate the growing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking at the joint summit of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ruto emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and collective action to restore peace.
“The recent escalation of hostilities in Goma and the surrounding areas is a stark reminder of the increasing fragility the situation presents and that only urgent collective action to facilitate a negotiated solution will offer relief,” Ruto stated.
He called on all warring factions, including the M23 rebel group and the Congolese armed forces, to halt all military operations immediately. The Kenyan leader underscored the need for a diplomatic approach, dismissing military solutions as ineffective.
“We stand together to call on all parties to actualize the ceasefire; and specifically, on the M23 to halt further advancement and the armed forces of the DRC to cease all retaliatory measures,” he urged.
Ruto highlighted the broader implications of the crisis, noting that DRC’s security is crucial to the stability and economic prosperity of both the EAC and SADC regions. He stressed that without peace in the DRC, regional cohesion and development would remain at risk.
“The security of the DRC is essential not only to the stability of the country but also to the prosperity and cohesion of the entire EAC and SADC. We call upon all parties to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and, above all, the protection of civilian lives,” Ruto said.
As a co-chair of the summit alongside Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ruto emphasized the need to unify peace efforts under a single regional framework. He advocated for the consolidation of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to prevent fragmentation and enhance effectiveness.
“We must resist the temptation to think we can shoot or bombard our way into a solution. Only a comprehensive diplomatic approach will establish lasting peace,” he stated.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, who participated in the summit virtually, has yet to officially respond to Ruto’s calls. However, the urgency of the crisis has pushed regional leaders to seek immediate solutions to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
The summit continues as leaders explore coordinated efforts to de-escalate tensions and create a viable path toward long-term peace in the DRC.
