DRC CONFLICT: Ruto Asserts That ‘Dialogue Not A Show Of Weakness’
President William Ruto has asked all parties involved in the violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to end hostilities and engage in talks.
The President stated that the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must unite in pushing for dialogue and a peaceful end to the conflict.
He emphasized that all parties should prioritize discussion, cooperation, and, most importantly, civilian protection.
The President stated that conversation is a “testament to our collective wisdom and strength as leaders and as a community” rather than a sign of weakness.
“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,” he said.
Congo conflict summit:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 8, 2025
EAC, SADC leaders hold crisis meeting in Tanzania. Ruto calls for dialogue to end the war in DRC.
Ruto: Dialogue is not a sign of weakness#CitizenWeekend @OBurrows pic.twitter.com/78695dnOt3
President Ruto, who is also the chairwoman of the EAC, stated that the war in Eastern DRC is the result of a wide range of historical, economic, and political factors.
He maintained that the reason dates back decades and extends across national and regional borders.
“There is also a clandestine international dimension at work whose persistent, cynical and destructive effects must neither be underestimated nor ignored any longer,” the President said.
As a result, he stated that the dispute could not be settled militarily.
Ruto encouraged the M23, the Congolese rebel outfit that took over Goma, the main city in Eastern DRC, a few days ago, to halt their march.
He addressed on Saturday at the beginning of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
President William Ruto is in Tanzania for the Joint Summit of EAC and SADC Heads of State, convened to address the escalating crisis in eastern DRC.
— Gideon Kitheka Snr (@Gideon_Kitheka) February 8, 2025
An immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue are urgently needed to restore stability. President Ruto has urged all parties,… pic.twitter.com/YjP4pJ9zz2
Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe and SADC chairperson), and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia attended the EAC-SADC summit.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame was joined by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Other nations were represented by vice presidents, prime ministers, and cabinet ministers.
Ruto also urged the DRC armed forces not to launch any reprisal attacks.
“An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of a strong commitment to long-term peace, development, and integration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the region.
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗘𝗔𝗖-𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝗢 𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 pic.twitter.com/qVDzK3Cnqp
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 8, 2025
“The security of the DRC is essential not only to the stability of the country but also to the prosperity and cohesion of the entire EAC and SADC,” Ruto stated.
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“Our presence here underscores our consensus that the time for action is now.”
The President emphasized that the lives of millions of people in the area are dependent on EAC and SADC leaders’ capacity to negotiate complex and difficult situations with wisdom, clarity of mind, and compassion.
He expressed remorse that millions of people’s lives and livelihoods had been jeopardised.
The Head of State also stated that the DRC has lost an opportunity to accelerate growth and development, which is why a firm commitment to peace and justice is now required.
DRC CONFLICT: Ruto Asserts That ‘Dialogue Not A Show Of Weakness’
