Kenyan President William Ruto has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels claim to have seized the key city of Goma. The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes.
In a televised address from State House and a post on his official X account, President Ruto expressed grave concern over the deteriorating peace and security situation in the region. He highlighted the humanitarian toll of ongoing military actions, including the closure of Goma’s airspace, which has further compounded the crisis.
“The escalating deteriorating peace and security situation in the DRC is of grave concern. The humanitarian crisis is being exacerbated by ongoing military actions, including the closure of airspace in Goma,” President Ruto said.
He urged all parties to cease hostilities unconditionally, allow humanitarian access to affected populations, and pursue peaceful solutions to the conflict.
President Ruto, serving as the current Chair of the East African Community (EAC), revealed that he had spoken with his counterparts, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. He emphasized the importance of the Luanda process, a regional initiative aimed at resolving tensions between the two nations.
“As Chair of the EAC, I call on the parties to the Luanda process and 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,” President Ruto said.
He announced plans to convene an Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State within 48 hours to address the crisis. President Ruto also pledged to collaborate with the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and international partners to promote dialogue and lasting peace.
The M23 rebels, who accuse the Congolese government of failing to honor past peace agreements, announced on Sunday that they had taken control of Goma after a rapid advance against the Congolese army. Videos shared by residents showed M23 fighters patrolling the city’s streets.
The conflict, according to various sources including local media, has displaced tens of thousands of people, forcing many to flee neighboring towns. The United Nations has expressed alarm at the worsening situation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging Rwandan forces to withdraw from the DRC and stop supporting the M23 rebels.
The capture of Goma, a key city in eastern Congo, threatens to destabilize the region further. Humanitarian agencies have warned of dire conditions for displaced populations, with limited access to food, water, and shelter.
Nairobi, Kenya
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