Ruto's Phone Call With French President Macron & Trump Official On DRC Crisis

President William Ruto held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, January 27 amidst escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In statements posted on his social media accounts, Ruto, the current chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), also revealed that he had discussed the same matter with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio was sworn in seven days ago to affirm the US' support for Kenya.

In the case of Macron, President Ruto revealed that the French President committed to supporting efforts to deal with the situation.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. /AP IMAGES

"I have spoken to President Emmanuel Macron of France on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He has expressed support for the regional efforts to deal with the challenge. President Macron also committed his country's support for the interventions being carried out, and for Kenya's participation in other peace initiatives in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan," Ruto stated.

The situation in Eastern DRC has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with military actions displacing more than a million people. The M23 rebel group announced on Monday that it had seized control of the strategic city of Goma in eastern DRC.

Residents shared distressing footage of M23 rebels patrolling the city’s streets after a swift advance against the Congolese army, which led to tens of thousands fleeing neighbouring towns.

President Ruto stressed the urgent need for all parties to allow humanitarian access and pursue peaceful resolutions. He called on DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to prioritize peace and heed calls from the international community and the people of the region.

In light of these developments, President Ruto announced that an Extraordinary Summit will be convened within 48 hours following consultations with EAC member states to determine the way forward for regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Ruto's conversation with Rubio centred on regional peace and security, with Secretary Rubio praising Kenya’s efforts to promote regional stability.

Ruto also noted that they discussed the ongoing United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and regional security issues, including the conflict in Eastern DRC.

"I have had a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a variety of issues of mutual concern for our two countries. We discussed the need to conclude the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement that seeks to increase investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth by unlocking the existing economic opportunities," Ruto added.

"We also discussed the United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the mission serves its purpose."

On regional peace and security, Ruto also noted that he and Secretary Rubio discussed the support needed from the United States of America. 

"I updated Secretary Rubio on the security situation in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. I am glad that the US has committed to continue to deploy its capabilities to support Kenya’s peace mission in the region," he continued.

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