Kenyan President William Ruto has reached out to French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the escalating conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In their discussions, President Macron expressed his firm support for regional peace efforts aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis.
“I have spoken to President Emmanuel Macron of France on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He has expressed support for the regional efforts to deal with the challenge,” President Ruto announced. Macron also pledged France’s backing for Kenya’s involvement in other critical peace missions across Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Ruto, as the chairperson of the East African Commission (EAC), condemned the growing insecurity in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, which has been destabilized by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. The rebels recently captured the city of Goma, blocking major roads and rendering the airport unusable for evacuation or humanitarian aid efforts. The United Nations has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
Calling for decisive action, Ruto urged an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities. He emphasized the importance of ensuring humanitarian access to affected populations and encouraged all parties to commit to peaceful negotiations to end the conflict.
“I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, emphasize the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations, and urge both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict,” Ruto stated.
He further called on DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to honor their commitments under the Luanda process and work toward peace. Ruto highlighted the pressing need for regional leaders to restore good neighborly relations and uphold the principles of collective responsibility.
Over the past two years, the M23 rebel group has expanded its control over large swathes of eastern DRC, exacerbating instability in the region. The group’s occupation of Goma, a key city, has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.
Ruto’s engagement with Macron underscores Kenya’s commitment to fostering regional stability, not only in the DRC but also in other conflict zones such as Somalia and Sudan. With France’s backing, Kenya aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation to restore peace in the embattled region.
