Ruto acid test as EAC chair in face of DRC crisis

Alleged members of the Congolese military, Wazalendo (Patriots in Swahili) militiamen, and other Congolese forces walk in line while being escorted by members of the M23 armed group in Goma on January 28, 2025. [AFP]

As the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict deepens, a meeting called by President William Ruto to diffuse the escalating situation sailed into uncertain waters for a greater part of the day before being confirmed last evening.

Ruto, who is the current Chair of the East African Community (EAC), departed for Cairo, Egypt, for a two-day state visit casting more doubts as to whether the meeting would be held.