Ruto to Convene Crisis Meeting Within 48 Hours Over Escalating DRC Hostilities

President William Ruto has called for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking on Sunday night in his capacity as the East African Community (EAC) Chairperson, President Ruto stated that the ongoing conflicts were of great concern to the people and governments of East Africa and there was an urgent need for African Presidents to convene and forge a way forward.

“Noting the worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing military actions; including the closure of airspace in Goma, I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” Ruto declared.

“This is in line with the EAC Summit’s decision of November 2024, which called for constructive engagement to address the conflict. I thank both President Tsishekedi and President Kagame for their confirmed participation in this summit,” he added.

The Head of State further noted that the continent would hold an urgent meeting to address the escalating war noting that DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame had agreed to attend the meeting.

“Consequently, and having consulted with the Heads of State of the region on this dire situation, we will be convening an extraordinary EAC Summit within the next 48 hours to deliberate on this crisis and chart a way forward.”

Ruto also called for the intervention of other parties to join in and ensure a peaceful resolution to the humanitarian crisis in the East African Country.

He noted that the rising diplomatic tensions had caused a lot of suffering, particularly for women and children, and thus immediate engagement, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peace were necessary.

“As the current Chair of the East African Community, Kenya is aware of the region’s critical responsibility in de-escalating violence and facilitating dialogue between the parties involved.”

He also noted that he had already reached out to both Heads of State involved in the diplomatic conflicts to start the peace restoration process.

“I call on the parties to the Luanda process on Eastern DRC and appeal to my brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame; both of whom I have spoken to this evening, to heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community,” he stated.

“I call on them to dedicate all efforts towards achieving peace in Eastern DRC and restoring good neighborliness; principle, underpinning regional responsibility.”

His final call was to the African Union (AU) not to turn a blind eye to the escalating conflicts in East Africa, stating, “The EAC stands ready to forge a stronger collaboration with the AU and SADC, as well as the international community in encouraging the warring parties to prioritise engagement.”

For years, the war in the DRC has escalated despite the intervention by several nations including the deployment of several Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers to serve in the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) mission.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta has also been instrumental in the peace talks after being named the facilitator of the talks. Among his many efforts to end the war was his meeting with M23 Chairman Bertand Bisimwa and other leaders of the rebel group in 2023.