Ruto Flies to Tanzania for Urgent DRC Peace Talks
President William Ruto departed for Tanzania on Friday evening to attend a high-level summit on the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The extraordinary joint summit, organized by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aims to find a solution to the escalating violence in eastern DRC.
Urgent Need for Peace and Stability
Ruto convened the meeting as EAC chairman, calling on regional leaders to address the crisis sparked by renewed rebel attacks. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was seen off by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Economic Adviser Moses Kuria, and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
The President emphasized the importance of regional stability, stating,
“Peace and security are critical ingredients for trade and investment in our region. I’m glad the leadership of SADC and EAC has agreed to jointly caucus on the conflict in eastern DRC. Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns on our continent.”
Key Leaders Set to Attend Summit
Presidents Suluhu Samia (Tanzania), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia) confirmed their participation in the Dar es Salaam meeting.
The heads of state session follows Friday’s ministerial meeting, which Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi co-chaired.
“This Joint EAC-SADC Summit represents a significant step towards fostering unity, solidarity, and collective action in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in our region,” Mudavadi’s office stated. “The meeting will hopefully develop a unified regional strategy to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace, security, and development.”
DRC Crisis Worsens as Rebels Advance
The DRC conflict has led to mass displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in North Kivu. The M23 rebels, who recently seized Goma, are reportedly advancing toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
On Thursday, President Ruto spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the crisis. The United Nations has also raised alarm, urging an immediate end to hostilities. UN reports indicate that nearly 3,000 people have been killed in the clashes between government forces and M23 rebels.
The Road to Peace
The Dar es Salaam summit is seen as a crucial step in resolving the ongoing conflict. Regional leaders hope to formulate a sustainable peace strategy that addresses the root causes of violence, supports the DRC government, and ensures stability for millions affected by the war.
ALSO READ: Uasin Gishu: Youths Stranded After Arriving for Non-Existent Government Jobs
Ruto Flies to Tanzania for Urgent DRC Peace Talks
