Key Talks on Regional Stability and Cooperation
President William Ruto has engaged in high-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron to address the worsening crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The dialogue precedes an emergency East African Community Heads of State meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, as the DRC faces growing instability due to M23 rebel advances.
Media reports, including from AFP, have confirmed that at least 17 people were killed and over 300 injured in recent clashes. The M23 rebels have reportedly seized control of Goma, the eastern DRC capital, as well as the local branch of state broadcaster RTNC.
Macron’s Support for Regional Efforts
During their talks, President Macron pledged France’s support for regional interventions aimed at stabilizing the volatile region.
“President Macron expressed his commitment to backing efforts to restore peace, including Kenya’s broader participation in peace initiatives across Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan,” President Ruto stated.
Talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
In a separate engagement, President Ruto also discussed strategic matters with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on Kenya’s leadership of the United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.
The leaders agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the mission achieves its objectives effectively. Rubio commended Kenya’s commitment to fostering peace, emphasizing its critical role in stabilizing Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC.
“Secretary Rubio highlighted Kenya’s leadership in promoting regional peace and thanked President Ruto for Kenya’s role in Haiti,” said Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
U.S. Condemns M23 Rebel Assault
Secretary Rubio also held discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, where he strongly condemned the M23 rebel attacks on Goma, reportedly backed by Rwanda.
Rubio reiterated U.S. respect for the sovereignty of the DRC and stressed the importance of advancing the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, to restart dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda. The ongoing conflict underscores the urgency of regional and international collaboration to address the crisis effectively.
