DR Congo on edge as Ruto calls EAC presidents' meeting

President William Ruto and his Guinea-Bissau counterpart Umaro Embalo, during the opening session of the Retreat of the Extended Bureau on the Implementation of Institutional Reforms of the African Union, State House, Nairobi. President Ruto said that they are fashioning a more efficient and robust financially-independent and fit-for-purpose African Union that will be more responsive to the continent's needs. He added that they are committed to strategically align their visions, work together to deal with challenges and seize emerging opportunities to unlock potentials and elevate Africa's global profile.[PCS] President William Ruto is calling for the peace and security architecture of the continent to be revitalized. Ruto says the African Union's presence in regional hotspots remains weak, fragmented and under-resourced, which is costing the continent an estimated $18 billion annually as millions get displaced. Speaking during the opening of a high-level retreat of the Extended bureau of the African Union Institutional reforms, Ruto stated that Strengthening performance and effectiveness of AU peace support operations is a strategic imperative given the volatile interconnected nature of threats to collective peace. Ruto made his call yesterday on the backdrop of fresh tension and uncertainties in the Congo as M23 rebels claimed to have captured Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma. Ruto now seeks to convene the Heads of State of East Africa Community (EAC) Member States for an Extraordinary Summit on Wednesday to chart the way forward. "I have discussed the summit meeting for Wednesday both with President Paul Kagame and with President Felix Tshisekedi, and both of them have confirmed their participation," AFP quoted Ruto as saying on Monday. "We do not see, from where I sit, a possibility of a military solution to the challenges that face Eastern DRC," he said. "A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in eastern DRC is a necessity," Ruto said, referring to the Rwanda-backed armed group. In an earlier address which he made as the chair of EAC, Ruto noted the escalating and deteriorating situation in the DRC stating that the situation has created a human crisis, with the United Nations describing it as a mass panic. "I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, emphasising 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," stated Ruto. Yesterday, The M23 rebels announced the city's capture in a statement minutes before a 48-hour deadline expired that had been imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons. In a statement, the rebels urged residents of Goma to remain calm and for members of the Congolese military to assemble at the central stadium. The precarious situation has reached a boiling point, with the killing of Major General Peter Cirimami, a military governor of North Kivu who was killed during fighting last week. Kigali through its ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation laid blame on President Tshisekedi who it says refused to dialogue with the M23, resulting in the collapse of the Luanda process. "The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, particularly the recent heavy fighting around Goma, was triggered by constant violations of the ceasefire by the Congolese armed Forces (FARDC), in coalition with UN-sanctioned genocidal militia FDLR, European mercenaries, ethnic militias (Wazalendo), Burundian armed forces, SAMIDRC forces well known as MONUSCO troops" read a statement from the ministry. The M23 rebels - or The March 23 Movement a foothold in the mineral-rich region in a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo. Back in 2012, the rebels seized Goma and controlled it for about a week but after mounting international pressure on Rwanda - including suspension of aid from the United States and Britain - the M23 surrendered the city. In 2022, the Kenya Defense Forces arrived in DRC as East Africa Community Regional Force (EASCRAF)), as M23 were advancing towards Goma. Advance was halted. There was withdrawal of M23 from Kibumba, Rumagambo & Kishishe areas. However, despite Kenya leading the process and creating room which brought the opposing sides to a negotiating table, The EAC's soldiers under the command of Major General Jeff Nyagah received repeated criticism from the Congolese government and civil society groups throughout their deployment. President Tshisekedi complained about the mission's "lack of effectiveness", issuing ultimatums for them to act more aggressively against the M23 or leave the country. Many critics pointed out that he was angling for an election win which he later did, but the situation did not get better. The finger point would eventually lead to the seasoned Major General Nyagah, who had successfully past missions, to call it quits. In a memo to East Africa Community (EAC) Secretary General, Maj Gen. Nyagah cited security threats and frustrations as he performed his duties in the DRC. "I present my compliments to you the Secretary General of the East Africa Community and have the pleasure to inform you of my exit from the mission area due to an aggravated threat to my safety and a systematic plan to frustrate efforts of the EACRF," Gen Nyagah wrote. After EACRAF left the country, President Tshesikedi sought help from the South, with security forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreeing to pick up matters from their Eastern counterparts. This did not bring the desired result as infighting continued, which escalated into accusation from both Rwanda and Kinshasa. Over the weekend, the forces' fighting with M23 rebels in eastern Congo left at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead, as reported by the United Nations and army officials.

DR Congo on edge as Ruto calls EAC presidents' meeting

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