President William Ruto, the current Chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an immediate ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. In a statement on Sunday, Ruto emphasized the worsening situation, which has been exacerbated by ongoing military actions and the closure of airspace in Goma. This closure has hindered efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
Ruto expressed deep concern over the alarming developments, particularly the rising diplomatic tensions in the region. He underscored the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has caused immense suffering, particularly among women and children. The president’s call for peace comes at a time when the situation in Eastern DRC has reached a critical point, with thousands of people fleeing their homes due to the violence.
In light of these developments, President Ruto urged both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to heed the call for peace. He called on them to take necessary steps to bring an end to the conflict and to prioritize dialogue and engagement as a means to resolve the crisis. Ruto emphasized that a sustainable solution could only be achieved through constructive dialogue and a renewed commitment to peace from all parties involved.
To address the dire situation, Ruto announced that he would convene an extraordinary EAC Summit within the next 48 hours. The summit aims to discuss the crisis in Eastern DRC and find a way forward to bring stability to the region. The summit will also explore ways to strengthen collaboration with the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the international community to encourage the warring parties to engage in peace talks.
The conflict in Eastern DRC has intensified in recent weeks, with Congolese rebels claiming to have taken control of Goma, the largest city in the region. The rebels, including the Rwanda-backed M23 group, have made significant territorial gains, further fueling concerns of a potential regional war. The M23 rebels launched an assault on Goma earlier in the week, and the situation has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in search of safety.
In response to the escalating violence, the United States, France, and Britain have condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebel advance, with accusations that Kigali is backing the M23 group. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, but the international community remains concerned about the role of external actors in fueling the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC has drawn attention to the complex dynamics of the region, where local and regional actors, including armed groups and neighboring countries, are deeply involved. The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with millions of people displaced and in need of urgent assistance. The call for a ceasefire and dialogue comes at a critical juncture, as the international community seeks to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further escalation.
In addition to the immediate call for a ceasefire, Ruto has also urged the African Union (AU) to take a more active role in addressing the crisis. He called on the AU to work closely with the EAC, SADC, and the broader international community to facilitate peace talks and ensure that the warring parties prioritize dialogue over continued military action.
The situation in Eastern DRC remains fluid, with the potential for further violence and instability. As the EAC Summit convenes, all eyes will be on the region to see if diplomatic efforts can bring about a lasting peace and address the underlying causes of the conflict. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial not only for the people of Eastern DRC but also for the stability of the broader Great Lakes region.
