EAC leaders call for ceasefire in DRC, urge Tshisekedi to engage all stakeholders in conflict

Leaders of the East African Community (EAC) have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a joint communiqué issued following an Extra-Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State on Wednesday, the leaders urged all parties involved in the conflict in eastern DRC to halt hostilities and adhere to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, while also facilitating humanitarian access to the affected population.

Chaired by President William Ruto of Kenya, the meeting strongly encouraged the DRC government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups with grievances, to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Ruto convened the meeting amid deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC which led to the loss of lives, humanitarian crisis and suffering of people in particular women and children.

“Noting that South African Development Community (SADC) has also been involved in eastern DRC, the summit decided on a joint EAC-SADC summit to deliberate on the way forward; and mandated the chairperson to consult with the chairperson of SADC on the urgent convening of the same in the next few days,” added the Communique

The virtual meeting was attended by William Ruto (Kenya), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda).