Nairobi, January 26, 2025 – East African Community (EAC) Chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto has called for an extraordinary summit of regional leaders to address the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 

The summit, scheduled to take place within the next 48 hours, will focus on finding a resolution to the escalating violence in North Kivu, where clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and M23 rebels have triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis.

President Ruto expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in North Kivu, particularly the humanitarian toll caused by the violence and the closure of Goma’s airspace, which has hindered the delivery of vital humanitarian aid. 

He urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities and prioritize dialogue.  

“I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, emphasize the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations, and urge both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict,” President Ruto said in a statement. 

The decision to convene the extraordinary summit follows consultations with EAC member states and direct discussions between President Ruto and the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC, Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi.

Ruto urged both leaders to recommit to the Luanda peace process and respond to regional and international calls for peace.

“My brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame, must heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community,” Ruto added.

He emphasized that the EAC stands ready to work alongside the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the international community to promote dialogue and peace.

The call for an emergency summit comes amid heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels and benefiting from illegal mining in North Kivu, while Rwanda denies these allegations and accuses the DRC of failing to address the root causes of the conflict.

Regional leaders are expected to explore options for de-escalation, such as deploying additional regional forces to stabilize the area and enforcing ceasefire agreements.

President Ruto emphasized the need for a coordinated and united regional response, stating, “The EAC stands ready to forge stronger collaboration with the African Union, SADC, and the international community in encouraging the warring parties to give priority to dialogue.”

The extraordinary summit follows a contentious UN Security Council meeting where the DRC and Rwanda traded accusations. UN reports have implicated Rwanda in supporting M23, while Rwanda has blamed the DRC for militarization and refusing to engage constructively in peace efforts.

The international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, has called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged regional actors to take the lead in mediating the crisis

By ChimPreports