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President William Ruto has urged all parties involved in the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to stop fighting and engage in dialogue, emphasizing that peace is the only effective solution to the crisis.
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Speaking at the Joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit at State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ruto highlighted the importance of a unified regional strategy to restore stability in the DRC.
“We once again call for an immediate halt to hostilities and urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve lasting peace,” he said.
As the chair of the EAC, Ruto pointed out that the conflict in Eastern DRC is rooted in deep historical, economic, and political issues, worsened by external influences.
“There is also a hidden international aspect to the conflict, whose ongoing negative impact must no longer be overlooked or underestimated,” he stated.
Ruto stressed that military solutions alone won’t resolve the crisis and urged the M23 rebel group to stop advancing after recently capturing Goma, the largest city in Eastern DRC.
He also called for the Congolese armed forces to avoid retaliatory actions, warning that continuing the conflict would only worsen the humanitarian situation.
“A ceasefire is urgently needed to create the conditions for constructive dialogue and a comprehensive peace agreement,” he emphasized.
The summit was attended by several African leaders, including Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe (SADC chair), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, along with other representatives from various countries.
Ruto stressed the need for a strong EAC-SADC peace initiative with a robust secretariat to coordinate, monitor, and enforce the effort. He also called on the international community to support the regional approach, urging external actors to contribute constructively instead of exacerbating the conflict.
“The security of the DRC is vital not only for its stability but for the prosperity and unity of the entire EAC and SADC regions,” Ruto noted.
He dismissed the idea that military force could solve the issue, advocating instead for a comprehensive diplomatic approach that addresses the root causes of instability, protects DRC’s territorial integrity, respects its sovereignty and the wishes of its people, and involves multiple stakeholders, including regional states, international bodies, civil society, and the DRC government.
Ruto pointed to past peace efforts, such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, and urged leaders to build on these initiatives for a unified and lasting solution.
“Dialogue is not a sign of weakness; it demonstrates our collective wisdom and strength as leaders and as a community,” he added.
SADC chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa echoed Ruto’s call for peace, urging EAC and SADC leaders to stand united in addressing the conflict.
“Our focus must be on the unity and prosperity of our people. Just as we fought colonialism together, we must now unite to bring peace to the DRC,” Mnangagwa said.
He stressed the need for a transparent and adaptable approach to resolving the conflict, expressing confidence that the summit would produce a clear roadmap to restore stability.
“Dialogue among all parties is crucial. This summit provides an opportunity to chart a clear path toward peace in the DRC,” he added.
President Ruto concluded by urging leaders to seize the opportunity to commit to a lasting solution.
“We have a historic chance to unite our efforts in a single, coherent initiative that can finally bring peace to the DRC,” he said.
The summit is expected to lay the foundation for increased regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis.
