President William Ruto, the current Chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called an emergency summit to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit, set to take place within the next 48 hours, aims to seek a resolution to the crisis that has worsened the region’s humanitarian situation, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like women and children.
In a statement issued on Sunday, President Ruto emphasized the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to prioritize peace amid ongoing tensions. “I call on the parties to the Luanda process on Eastern DRC and appeal to my brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame, to heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community,” said Ruto.
The conflict in the eastern DRC has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with aid access increasingly restricted due to escalating violence and the closure of airspace in Goma. Ruto expressed concern over these worsening conditions and called for swift action to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
Both Tshisekedi and Kagame have confirmed their attendance at the summit, signaling a potential opportunity to ease tensions and find a diplomatic solution. Ruto also called for increased engagement from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), stressing the need for collective efforts to restore peace in the region.
“The African Union must not remain passive in the face of this escalating crisis. The EAC stands ready to forge stronger collaboration with the AU, SADC, and the international community to encourage the warring parties to prioritize dialogue and engagement,” he added.
The Luanda process, a regional initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between the conflicting parties, will likely form a key framework during the summit discussions.
The conflict in the eastern DRC has long been a source of instability in the region, with armed groups and strained relations between neighboring countries fueling the crisis. The upcoming summit represents a critical step in addressing these challenges and offering hope to millions affected by the protracted conflict.
As the international community closely monitors the developments, the summit underscores the EAC’s commitment to regional stability and the well-being of its people.
