Ruto Takes Urgent Action Over Escalating Clashes In DR Congo's Goma

President William Ruto has announced that he will convene an extraordinary summit of East African Community (EAC) regional leaders in the next two days. This is in response to reports regarding the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a press statement he issued from State House in the wee hours of Monday, January 27, the Head of State revealed that he had reached out to the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC, Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi, appealing to them to recommit to the Luanda peace process and respond to regional and international calls for peace.

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.

"I call on the parties to the Luanda process on Eastern DRC and appeal to my brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame; both of whom I have spoken to this evening, to heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community. I call on them to dedicate all efforts towards achieving peace in Eastern DRC and restoring good neighbourliness; an essential principle, underpinning regional peace and collective responsibility," he stated in part.

Displaced people are seen at the Nzulo port, near Goma, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on January 23, 2025. /XINHUA

"Consequently, and having consulted with the Heads of State of the region, on this dire situation, we will be convening an extraordinary EAC Summit within the next 48 hours to deliberate on this crisis and chart a way forward. This is in line with the EAC Summit’s decision of November 2024, which called for constructive engagement to address the conflict. I thank both President Tsishekedi and President Kagame for their confirmed participation in this summit."

Furthermore, Ruto, in his capacity as East African Community (EAC) Chairperson, 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 called for the hostilities to stop with immediate effect and give dialogue a chance, outlining how the developments and rising diplomatic tensions reinforce the need for a peaceful resolution.

"The escalating conflict and deteriorating situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are of grave concern to the People and Governments of East Africa. Noting the worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing military actions; including the closure of airspace in Goma, I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities," he added.

"I emphasise 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. These alarming developments, coupled with rising diplomatic tensions in the region, underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that continues to inflict untold suffering on the people, particularly women and children."

Ruto added that Kenya was aware of the region’s critical responsibility in de-escalating violence and facilitating dialogue between the parties involved, and that "We firmly believe that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through engagement, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peace."

Additionally, the Kenyan Head of State urged the African Union (AU) not to remain passive in
the face of the escalating crisis, adding that the EAC stands ready to forge a stronger collaboration with the AU, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the international community to encourage the warring parties to prioritise engagement.

On Saturday, the United Nations announced that it had temporarily decided to relocate non-essential staff from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the eastern DRC, due to the deteriorating security situation, stating that the decision affects administrative staff and those who can carry out their tasks remotely, noting that this relocation will not compromise its commitment to delivering humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu.

The move came amid escalating hostilities and territorial advances by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, which had seized control of Sake, a town considered the last defence for the government forces before Goma.

M23 fighters backed by several thousand Rwandan troops had been quickly advancing toward the city, which lies along DRC's eastern border and is home to more than a million people. Several foreign peacekeepers have since been killed in the mounting violence around Goma.

Panic spread among displaced populations across Goma, a key city in the region that was under M23 control for 10 days in 2012. Several foreign embassies issued advisories urging their citizens to leave North Kivu.

Videos seen by Viral Tea showed hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee the city in fear of the advancing forces while subsequent clips showed several armed soldiers believed to be the rebels patrolling the streets of Goma, and reported to have gained full control of the airport.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over M23's renewed hostilities. In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres condemned the rebel group's renewed offensive since the beginning of the year and its expansion into North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the capture of Sake.

As the offensive has caused devastating civilian casualties and increased the risk of a broader regional conflict, Guterres called on M23 to immediately cease its attacks, withdraw from all occupied areas, and honour the ceasefire agreement established last August.