Kenyan President William Ruto has called for an immediate ceasefire from all armed forces present in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a peace summit in Tanzania.
He urged the anti-government armed group M23, advancing in eastern DRC with support from Rwandan forces, to halt all progress and called on the DRC armed forces to stop any retaliatory actions.
“An immediate ceasefire is the only way to create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” Ruto stated.
“We urge all parties to respect the ceasefire, particularly M23 to cease its advance, and the DRC armed forces to stop retaliatory measures,” he added. William Ruto is currently the chair of the East African Community (EAC).
The Dar es Salam summit gathers the eight EAC member countries and the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) members, aiming to resolve the conflict. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are participating in the summit.
Recently M23 and Rwandan forces captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Last week, causing deadly clashes and worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation, the conflict has spread to the neighbouring South Kivu province.
