President William Ruto has urged all parties in the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to cease hostilities and embrace dialogue.
In his address at the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit of heads of state and government on Saturday, President Ruto said negotiations, not a military solution, are needed to open the door to reconciliation talks in order to achieve a just and lasting peace between the warring sides.
He said all parties should give priority to dialogue, cooperation and, above all, the protection of civilians.
“Today, we join together to reiterate our calls to the parties to this tragic conflict to immediately cease hostilities and take positive actions to allow meaningful dialogue aimed at the restoration of stability,” said the President.
His appeal followed reports that M23 rebels, an apparently Rwandan-backed non-state armed group, have claimed control over parts of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, marking the most significant escalation in the conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC thereafter.
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As the fighting continues, impunity for human rights abuses and violations, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, has plagued the region. The DRC, a country of over 113 million people in Central Africa, is facing one of the world’s most severe and complex humanitarian crises, according to World Vision.
President Ruto expressed concern for the lives and livelihoods of millions plunged into uncertainty by the attacks but advised the DRC armed forces not to engage in retaliatory strikes.
“An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he said.
Additionally, he has called on the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of the DRC “during this time” by aligning their support with the EAC-SADC initiative to restore peace in the country.
He emphasised the need for a robust commitment to achieving sustainable peace, development and integration in the whole of DR Congo and across the region.
The President noted that dialogue is not a sign of weakness but a “testament to our collective wisdom and strength as leaders and as a community.”
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