President William Ruto who doubles as the Chair of the East African Community (EAC) has announced that head of states within the region will meet for a summit to discuss the escalating conflict and deteriorating situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ruto said the situation at DRC is of grave concern to the people and governments of East Africa.
He called on the parties to the Luanda process on Eastern DRC and appealed to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda 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.
Ruto announced that the Presidents will be convening withing the next 48 hours to deliberate on the issues.
He thanked both President Tsishekedi and President Kagame for confirming they will attend.
“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 said.
He explained that the meeting is in line with the EAC Summit’s decision of November 2024, which called for constructive engagement to address the conflict.
Ruto Calls for Cessation of Hostilities
Further, Ruto said there is a worsening humanitarian crisis in DRC exacerbated by ongoing military actions including the closure of airspace in Goma.
He called for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.
Also Read: Ruto Names IEBC Selection Panel
He emphasized the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations and urged both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict.
“These alarming developments, coupled with rising diplomatic tensions in the region, underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that continues to inflict untold suffering on the people, particularly women and children,” he said.
Also Read: Kenya Sends Fourth Military Unit to DRC; Details of Mission
Message to AU & International Community
Additionally, he asked the African Union (AU) not remain passive in the face of the escalating crisis.
He stated that the EAC is ready to forge a stronger collaboration with the AU, SADC and the international community in solving the crisis.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates
