President William Ruto chaired the 24th Extraordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State to deliberate on the situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on January 29, 2025.

EAC Secretariat said the Summit deliberated on the developments and deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, which has led to the loss of lives, a humanitarian crisis, and the suffering of people, particularly women and children.

It offered condolences to the families of those affected by the recent developments in Eastern DRC and wished a quick recovery for those injured.

The Summit also expressed concern about the expanding crisis, including attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff based in Kinshasa.

Accordingly, the Summit urged the government of the DRC to protect diplomatic missions, lives, and property.

The Summit called on all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to cease hostilities, observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population.

Additionally, the Summit called for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts and strongly urged the government of the DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups with grievances.

Ruto to Hold Meeting With SADC

Noting that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has also been involved in Eastern DRC, the Summit decided on a joint EAC-SADC summit to deliberate on the way forward.

It further mandated the Chairperson to consult with the Chairperson of SADC on the urgent convening of the summit in the coming days.

The Summit commended the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit for convening the 24th Extraordinary Summit to address the recent developments in Eastern DRC.

Also Read: Did Ruto Make a Mistake by Involving Kenya and U.S in DRC Conflict? – Experts

Head of States Present

Among the EAC who attended the meeting include Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Évariste The meeting was attended by several East African leaders, including Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

Others present were South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Secretariat mentioned that the leaders held discussions in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Also Read: Kenya Sends Fourth Military Unit to DRC; Details of Mission

DRC President Skips Meeting

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi skipped the summit, and his spokesperson, Tina Salama, attributed his absence to scheduling conflicts.

“The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, will not participate in the virtual summit of heads of state of the East African Community,” the official Congolese Press Agency, ACP, said.

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