President William Ruto has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to hostilities in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging both the M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces to cease further military actions. Speaking at the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Tanzania on Saturday, Ruto emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable path to restoring stability in the region.
“The recent escalation of hostilities in Goma and the surrounding areas is a stark reminder of the increasing fragility the situation presents,” Ruto stated. “Only urgent collective action to facilitate a negotiated solution will offer relief.”
The Kenyan Head of State stressed that an immediate ceasefire is crucial to creating a conducive environment for constructive dialogue and implementing a comprehensive peace agreement. He warned that any further advances by the M23 rebels, coupled with retaliatory actions from the Congolese military, would only exacerbate the suffering of civilians and deepen the crisis.
Ruto also condemned the blatant disregard for human life, diplomatic missions, and peacekeeping forces in the conflict-affected areas. “The wanton disregard for the sanctity of life, diplomatic missions, and peacekeepers is not only a brazen demonstration of lawless and unprincipled pursuit of violent harm and destruction, but it is also a grave affront to the rules-based international order,” he asserted.
The Kenyan leader reiterated the collective responsibility of regional and international actors to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel, peacekeepers, and civilians. He noted that millions of civilians have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting, many of whom continue to face threats of violence, including sexual and gender-based attacks, as well as the forced recruitment of children into combat.
“We have a historic opportunity to rise to our moral duty of making the protection of civilians our foremost priority,” Ruto said. “It is imperative that we take measures to ensure the necessary resources and support are provided to those affected.”
The joint summit in Tanzania served as a platform for regional leaders to discuss the escalating situation in eastern DRC and explore potential solutions to de-escalate tensions. Ruto’s remarks underscore the urgency of diplomatic intervention to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe and establish lasting peace in the region.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the role of regional bodies such as the EAC and SADC, along with international partners, remains critical in steering efforts towards a sustainable resolution. Ruto’s call for peace highlights Kenya’s commitment to fostering regional stability and supporting peace initiatives in Africa.
