President William Ruto took a bold step to address the escalating conflict and deteriorating situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ruto appealed to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to heed the call for peace from the people of EAC and the international community.
“I call on them to dedicate all efforts towards achieving peace in Eastern DRC and restoring good neighborliness; an essential principle, underpinning regional peace and collective responsibility,” Ruto said.
As the Chair of the East African Community (EAC), Ruto said the head of states within the region will meet for a summit to discuss about the situation of DRC stating that it is a grave concern to the people and governments of East Africa.
Ruto discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing the support needed from the United States.
However, rioters protesting the conflict in Eastern DRC attacked Kenya’s Embassy offices in Kinshasa, forcing Kenyan staff to flee to safety, as Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said.
This raises the question: Did Ruto make a mistake by getting involved in the conflict?
Experts who spoke to The Kenya Times weighed in, answering this question while also advising Ruto on the best course of action moving forward.
Ruto Right to Comment as EAC Chair
Dr. Anita Kiamba, Senior Lecturer Department of Diplomacy & International Studies at the University of Nairobi, said Ruto’s comments on DRC are part of his role in responding to conflicts in the region as the EAC chair.
She explained that Kenya has been critical in managing conflicts in the larger East African and Horn of Africa region.
“As the Chair of the EAC, Ruto has the responsibility to reach out to external partners to seek support on restoring peace and stability in the region,” Dr. Kiamba said.
Similarly, lawyer and governance expert Javas Bigambo said that Ruto must be proactive and put his best foot forward as the EAC Chair.
He explained that even if Ruto were not the chair, the person occupying that seat would be duty-bound to be proactive, just like Ruto has been.
“Ruto’s steps in reaching out to security and international partners depend not only on his role as Kenya’s President but also on his position as the EAC chair,” Bigambo said.
Where Ruto Went Wrong
However, Dr. Kiamba states that Ruto was mistaken in responding to the conflict legally.
The university don said DRC’s conflict requires a concerted effort from the EAC region.
She explained that these efforts should not be at the presidential or summit level but should involve non-state actors such as the business community and social groups.
“Going forward, the president should refer to socio economic communities (those communities occupying Rwanda and Eastern DRC). Unless their demands are met, the conflict will continue,” Dr. Kiamba stated.
Additionally, Dr. Kiamba stated that the international community currently has no place to assist in Africa, as described in many of its foreign policies.
She also pointed out the cross-purpose intentions of the international community when dealing with Africa.
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Only African States Should Help DRC
According to Dr. Kiamba, Africa should reflect on its stance regarding the DRC conflict by asking questions such as who supports Israel in its conflict or who supports Ukraine, among others.
She emphasized that by doing so, the impact on Africa could be understood through internal legal norms and better appreciated from a political standpoint.
“Let Africa manage its conflicts and decide when to bring in its allies,” Dr. Kiamba said.
Also Read: Kenyan Embassy in DRC Attacked
Ruto Made no Mistake
On the other hand, Bigambo said that Ruto made no mistake in alerting the EAC and the international community about the situation in DRC.
Bigambo said the international community is concerned with the situation in DRC.
“I wouldn’t say that he made a mistake, but I think the international community is deeply involved in the history of DRC. That is why we have seen Rubio calling EAC Presidents,” Bigambo said.
Bigambo said that the internal conflict in the DRC affects the region and is a matter of regional security.
He further explained that the conflict would impact the entire East African region if it escalates into a full-blown conflict between the DRC and Rwanda.
He also noted that the EAC charter requires member states to be concerned about the welfare of other members, as long as it interferes with the internal affairs of that state.
“So, the issue of engaging with international development and security partners can be seen from the understanding that this is not just a two-state issue,” he said.
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