Ruto Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Eastern DRC, Rejects Military Solution
President William Ruto has emphasized that the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can only be handled via discussion rather than military force.
Ruto underlined the importance of a thorough conversation that addresses the root causes of the issue while ensuring the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He spoke at the combined summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Tanzania.
He acknowledged the conflict’s complexity, describing it as long-running and involving various participants with competing interests.
The President also mentioned the “clandestine international dimension” impacting the situation, warning that the negative impacts of these foreign influences could no longer be ignored.
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO AT THE EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF EAC-SADC SUMMIT ON THE ONGOING CONFLICT IN EASTERN
— Naipamei Kaikai (@Kaikainaipaa) February 8, 2025
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA. pic.twitter.com/OiWq8CgtGL
“For this reason, it is equally clear that such a conflict cannot be resolved through military means,” he said.
He said, “We must resist the temptation of thinking that we can somehow shoot or bombard our way into a solution in the face of the complexity involved.”
He stated that the debate must bring together different parties, including regional states and international entities, in order to discuss, create, and implement a long-term solution.
Others include political organizations, civil society groups, and the Congolese government.
Ruto, however, believes that the demand for dialogue should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
He emphasized that this demonstrates “our collective wisdom and strength,” both as leaders and as a community.
President William Ruto of Kenya, who serves as the Chairman of the East African Community (#EAC), has stated that military intervention alone cannot resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (#DRC).
— The Citizen Tanzania (@TheCitizenTz) February 8, 2025
Speaking at the EAC and #SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam,… pic.twitter.com/qcsqB7oTAF
The head of state also called for a ceasefire between the warring factions to prevent the situation from escalating.
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“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 stated.
He also asked the chiefs of state from both blocs to completely commit to the peace effort.
He also asked the international community to step up and support regional efforts to deliver for the DRC, as well as collaborate with the DRC government to provide help and security to people in greatest need.
He stated that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo affects the entire world community for a variety of reasons.
Ruto Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Eastern DRC, Rejects Military Solution
