President William Ruto has strongly voiced his support for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The conflict, which has plagued the eastern regions of the DRC for years, has seen escalating violence, leading to significant humanitarian crises and displacement of thousands of people.
President Ruto’s call for a ceasefire is aimed at bringing a much-needed halt to the violence, enabling the people of the DRC to find a pathway to peace and security.
In his address to both the international community and regional leaders, Ruto emphasized on the urgency of peace in the DRC. He made it clear that Kenya, as a member of the East African Community ( and the broader African Union,would continue to advocate for peaceful solutions to the conflict.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The suffering of innocent civilians is unacceptable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that peace prevails in this region. Kenya is committed to supporting efforts that will bring about a peaceful resolution to this crisis,”Ruto said.
The conflict in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces, has been largely driven by armed groups vying for control of natural resources and territory. These groups have perpetuated violence, including attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and recruitment of child soldiers, all contributing to the humanitarian disaster in the region.
One of the most notorious of these armed groups is the M23, a militia that has been active in the region for years and is believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda, though Rwanda denies these allegations.
The M23 has launched numerous attacks on Congolese military positions and civilians, further exacerbating an already fragile security situation. In addition, there are other rebel factions and local militias that have fueled the ongoing instability.
To address the crisis, President Ruto has called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and collaboration among African nations in finding a sustainable solution to the DRC’s security challenges.
“The solution to the crisis in the DRC will not come from the barrel of a gun,” Ruto said. “It is through dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful negotiations that we can build a lasting peace in the region.”
President Ruto’s position aligns with broader efforts by the AU and the EAC to mediate and facilitate peace talks in the region.
Over the past year, regional actors have been working together to push for a ceasefire agreement and encourage the disarmament of various armed groups operating in eastern DRC. However, despite these efforts, violence has continued, with occasional flare-ups of intense fighting that have displaced millions of people.
The Kenyan President further stressed that the international community must do its part in supporting peace initiatives in the DRC.
“The international community has a key role to play in stabilizing the DRC. It is crucial that all stakeholders, including the United Nations and other international organizations, lend their support to ensure a peaceful resolution,” he stated.
“Kenya stands ready to contribute its resources, including deploying peacekeepers, to help bring stability to the DRC and the Great Lakes region.”
Kenya has a long history of participating in peacekeeping missions across Africa, including in Somalia and South Sudan. Ruto’s government has consistently advocated for stronger African leadership in peace and security matters.
His call for ceasefire comes at a time when the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has been criticized for its inability to effectively protect civilians and prevent attacks from armed groups.
Furthermore, Ruto has underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, which include poverty, ethnic tensions, and competition over natural resources.
The DRC is home to vast mineral wealth, including cobalt, gold, and diamonds, which has made the country a target for armed groups seeking control over these resources. This competition has fueled decades of violence and instability.
“Beyond the ceasefire, we must also focus on the long-term peace-building measures that will address the economic and social issues contributing to the conflict,” Ruto explained.
“The people of the DRC deserve a future where they can live in peace, without fear of violence or displacement.”
The remarks reflect a growing recognition that the path to lasting peace in the DRC will require both immediate action to halt the violence and long-term investments in development and governance.
