Kenyan President Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Eastern DRC.
President William Ruto urged an immediate halt to hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during Saturday's joint EAC-SADC summit in Tanzania. He specifically addressed M23 rebels to stop their advance and asked DRC armed forces to end retaliatory actions.
Ruto emphasized that a ceasefire remains essential for meaningful dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement. He pointed to recent violence around Goma as evidence of the situation's growing instability, stating that only negotiated solutions through collective action would bring relief.
The Kenyan leader expressed deep concern about attacks on diplomatic missions and peacekeepers in the region. He stressed that international community members must protect diplomatic assets, civilians, personnel, and peacekeepers within their territories. These attacks, he declared, represent both a demonstration of lawless violence and a serious violation of international order.
The humanitarian toll has mounted significantly, with millions of civilians facing displacement and persistent threats of violence. Ruto highlighted particular concerns about sexual and gender-based violence against women and children, as well as the forced recruitment of young people into combat roles.
The summit demonstrated unified regional determination to address the crisis, according to Ruto. He emphasized their collective responsibility to protect civilians as a primary objective, calling for the immediate allocation of necessary resources and support to achieve this goal. The president maintained that the international community faces a crucial moment to fulfill its moral obligations toward the affected populations.
President William Ruto urged an immediate halt to hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during Saturday's joint EAC-SADC summit in Tanzania. He specifically addressed M23 rebels to stop their advance and asked DRC armed forces to end retaliatory actions.
Ruto emphasized that a ceasefire remains essential for meaningful dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement. He pointed to recent violence around Goma as evidence of the situation's growing instability, stating that only negotiated solutions through collective action would bring relief.
The Kenyan leader expressed deep concern about attacks on diplomatic missions and peacekeepers in the region. He stressed that international community members must protect diplomatic assets, civilians, personnel, and peacekeepers within their territories. These attacks, he declared, represent both a demonstration of lawless violence and a serious violation of international order.
The humanitarian toll has mounted significantly, with millions of civilians facing displacement and persistent threats of violence. Ruto highlighted particular concerns about sexual and gender-based violence against women and children, as well as the forced recruitment of young people into combat roles.
The summit demonstrated unified regional determination to address the crisis, according to Ruto. He emphasized their collective responsibility to protect civilians as a primary objective, calling for the immediate allocation of necessary resources and support to achieve this goal. The president maintained that the international community faces a crucial moment to fulfill its moral obligations toward the affected populations.
