Kenyan President William Ruto has called for an immediate ceasefire among all armed factions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as regional leaders convened in Tanzania for a crucial peace summit on Saturday.
Ruto, who currently chairs the East African Community (EAC), urged all parties involved to embrace a ceasefire, specifically appealing to the M23 group to halt its advances and urging DRC armed forces to refrain from retaliatory actions. “An immediate ceasefire is essential for creating the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and for the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” Ruto stated.
The M23 armed group, which has received support from Rwanda, has rapidly taken control of significant territories in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. This offensive has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced countless individuals, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The peace talks in Tanzania have brought together key leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, alongside representatives from the eight EAC member countries and the broader 16-member South African Development Community.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on establishing a lasting peace and addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict in the region.
