Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The appeal comes amid the worsening crisis fueled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, marking the most serious escalation in the region in over a decade.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the two leaders engaged in a phone discussion on Friday, stressing the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has plagued the eastern DRC for years. The resurgence of the M23 armed group has intensified tensions, particularly following the capture of key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo has roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which saw an influx of refugees and armed groups into the DRC. Over the years, the region has remained volatile, with various armed factions vying for control over the country’s vast mineral resources, including cobalt and gold. The situation has been exacerbated by allegations of Rwandan military involvement, which Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
The United Nations, the U.S., and other Western powers have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 with arms and troops, allegations Kigali has dismissed. In response to the escalating conflict, the U.S. recently imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior official of an armed group, citing their roles in fueling instability.
Earlier this month, a diplomatic note from the U.S. highlighted the need for the Rwandan military to withdraw its forces and advanced weaponry from Congolese territory. The U.S. government has consistently urged both sides to pursue dialogue as a means of addressing the crisis.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the unacceptable capture of Goma and Bukavu by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group,” the State Department’s statement read. “Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to push for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.”
Kenya has played a key role in regional peace efforts, previously deploying troops under the East African Community (EAC) peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo. However, the deteriorating situation has prompted renewed calls for urgent intervention.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to push for negotiations and a sustainable solution to prevent further humanitarian crises. The collaboration between President Ruto and Secretary Rubio signals a renewed diplomatic effort to restore peace in the conflict-torn region.
