President William Ruto
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President William Ruto has called for a renewed push from regional peace facilitators to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He emphasizes the critical need for Rwanda's engagement in the peace process. During a virtual summit held on April 1, Ruto urged mediators of the joint Luanda-Nairobi initiative to actively involve Rwanda, despite its strained relations with the DRC.
The summit included key figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, all of whom are tasked with mediating the DRC conflict under the combined framework of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
"I know we will be having a conversation as to how this is going to move forward, especially in the context that the facilitator of the Rwanda process will not be part of this, and that is part of the conversation we need to have," Ruto said.
Ruto conveyed his dedication to collaborating with these regional leaders, stressing that Rwanda's participation is essential to de-escalate tensions and promote peace. The urgency of the appeal is affirmed by the dire humanitarian situation in the DRC. Advances by M23 rebels, including the capture of strategic towns like Bukavu, have exacerbated the conflict, leading to over 3,000 deaths and numerous injuries. The rebel activities have also severely hampered humanitarian aid, compounding the suffering of affected populations.
"More than 3,000 lives have been lost, with thousands more maimed. These figures are not just statistics; they are human tragedies that demand urgent redress," he added.
Previous attempts to mediate the conflict, such as the Nairobi process led by Kenyatta, have faltered due to political obstacles, inadequate military support, and inconsistent commitment from stakeholders. The withdrawal of Kenyan troops from the EAC Regional Force further destabilized the region, creating opportunities for insurgent groups. President Ruto’s advocacy for Rwanda's involvement in the peace process is part of a broader strategy to revitalize regional cooperation and address the multifaceted challenges of the DRC crisis.
However, Rwanda's past reluctance to participate in similar dialogues presents a significant challenge to achieving inclusive and effective conflict resolution. The DRC’s continued instability poses a threat to regional security and economic development.