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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23807, member: 2262"] Ruto Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Eastern DR Congo. NAIROBI, Kenya - President William Ruto has demanded an immediate and unconditional end to fighting in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in the region. In a statement on Monday, Ruto said ongoing military actions are worsening the humanitarian crisis. The closure of the Goma airport has hindered aid efforts. "I call for an immediate ceasefire and emphasize the obligation to facilitate humanitarian access," Ruto said. He urged both sides to seek peaceful solutions to the tragic conflict. As the East African Commission (EAC) chairperson, Ruto called on Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda to heed the calls for peace and dedicate all efforts to restoring good neighborliness. Ruto will convene an Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State within 48 hours. They will chart the way forward in line with a November 2024 decision calling for constructive engagement. "The EAC stands ready to collaborate with the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and the international community," Ruto said. The goal is to encourage the warring parties to prioritize dialogue. Over the weekend, M23 rebels took control of Goma. The United Nations said key roads are blocked, and the airport can no longer be used for evacuation and humanitarian efforts. The M23 group has seized vast parts of mineral-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021. In recent weeks, they have advanced swiftly on Goma amid intense fighting. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, over 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces near the Rwandan border since early 2025. [/QUOTE]

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