Remarks · 26 January 2025
The escalating conflict and deteriorating situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are of grave concern to the People and Governments of East Africa.
Noting the worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing military actions; including the closure of airspace in Goma, I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.
I emphasise the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations and urge both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict. These alarming developments, coupled with rising diplomatic tensions in the region, underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that continues to inflict untold suffering on the people, particularly women and children.
As the current Chair of the East African Community, Kenya is aware of the region’s critical responsibility in de-escalating violence and facilitating dialogue between the parties involved. We firmly believe that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through engagement, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peace.
I call on the parties to the Luanda process on Eastern DRC and appeal to my brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame; both of whom I have spoken to this evening, to heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community. I call on them to dedicate all efforts towards achieving peace in Eastern DRC and restoring good neighborliness; an essential principle, underpinning regional peace and collective responsibility.
Consequently, and having consulted with the Heads of State of the region, on this dire situation, we will be convening an extraordinary EAC Summit within the next 48 hours to deliberate on this crisis and chart a way forward. This is in line with the EAC Summit’s decision of November 2024, which called for constructive engagement to address the conflict. I thank both President Tsishekedi and President Kagame for their confirmed participation in this summit.
Additionally, the African Union (AU) must not remain passive in the face of this escalating crisis. The EAC stands ready to forge a stronger collobaroration with the AU and SADC, as well as the international community in encouraging the warring parties to prioritise engagement. ###