Kenyan president says diplomacy the only solution to DRC conflict
4 min readKenyan President William Ruto described the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as “very complicated” on Monday, emphasizing that a diplomatic solution is the only way forward to resolve the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a press briefing, Ruto stated that he sees no possibility of a military resolution to the crisis in eastern DRC. “It was, it is, and I’m sure it will continue to be the case that engagement, dialogue, and consultations are the only viable way out of the situation in DRC,” he added, reinforcing his stance on the importance of diplomacy in solving the region’s persistent issues.
Ruto’s remarks came as the fighting between M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese army escalated. On Monday morning, the M23 rebels claimed to have taken control of Goma, the largest city in the DRC’s North Kivu province, despite calls from the United Nations Security Council for the rebels to halt their advance. Goma, located on the border with Rwanda, has been a strategic location in the conflict due to its proximity to key mineral resources that are vital to global industries, particularly technology.
Reports of gunfire echoed through the night in Goma, and by the early hours of Monday, dozens of rebels in military uniforms had marched into the city. This marked a significant intensification of the violence, with fears that the rebel group’s capture of the city could further destabilize the region. The DRC government, which has been engaged in conflict with M23 since 2012, accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, describing their advance as a “declaration of war.” Rwanda has denied the allegations, despite evidence compiled by UN experts and others that suggest Rwanda’s involvement.
The escalation of the M23 offensive has sparked widespread concern, with the United Nations warning that the conflict risks spilling over into a larger regional war. The volatile situation in eastern DRC, compounded by decades of instability and the presence of numerous armed groups vying for control, has created a humanitarian crisis. The area is rich in valuable minerals, which has fueled much of the conflict, as various groups fight for control over these resources.
In response to the growing crisis, President Ruto, who also serves as the chairman of the East African Community (EAC), announced that an emergency meeting would be convened on Wednesday. The meeting will include key regional leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the ongoing violence and explore potential diplomatic solutions to bring an end to the hostilities.
Ruto’s call for dialogue comes at a time of heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. On Saturday, the DRC government severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda in response to the rebel advance. The deteriorating relationship between the two countries has raised fears that the conflict could draw in neighboring nations, further destabilizing an already fragile region. Rwanda has long accused the DRC of harboring Hutu militant groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which is linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In turn, the DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, who have been fighting to establish greater control over the region.
The conflict has also prompted a significant humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the violence. The United Nations estimates that over six million people in the DRC are displaced, with many seeking refuge in areas like Goma. As the M23 rebels continue their advance, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Humanitarian aid efforts have been hampered by the ongoing fighting, and the risks to both the displaced population and aid workers are growing.
The call for diplomatic engagement by President Ruto highlights the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in DRC. While the situation remains highly volatile, Ruto’s diplomatic efforts are part of a broader regional push to address the underlying causes of the conflict and prevent further escalation. The upcoming East African Community summit could play a critical role in determining the future of peace efforts in the region. The international community will be watching closely, as the outcome of this diplomatic engagement could have far-reaching implications for both the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
As the M23 rebels press forward and the international community calls for an end to the violence, the need for a lasting and inclusive peace agreement remains urgent. The situation in Goma and beyond continues to unfold, and it is clear that only through sustained diplomatic efforts can the cycle of violence in the DRC be broken.
Source: African News Agency
About The Author
