Kenyan President William Ruto has said diplomacy is the only solution to the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking on Monday, Ruto described the situation in the eastern DRC as “very complicated” and emphasized the need for engagement and dialogue over military intervention.
“We do not see, from where I sit, a possibility of a military solution to the challenges that face the eastern DRC,” Ruto stated during a press briefing. “Engagement, dialogue, and consultations are the only viable way out of the situation.”
Ruto’s remarks come as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, claimed control of Goma, a strategic city in eastern DRC. The city, rich in minerals essential for global technology, has become the epicenter of the conflict. Gunfire rang out across Goma overnight as rebels in military uniforms marched into the city early Monday, defying international calls for their withdrawal.
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Kinshasa has denounced the rebel advance as a “declaration of war.” On Saturday, Congo severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of supporting the M23 group—a claim Rwanda denies despite mounting evidence from UN experts.
The conflict has drawn international concern, with the United Nations warning that the latest M23 offensive risks escalating into a full-blown regional war. Analysts note that the volatile eastern DRC has been a tinderbox for decades, fueled by competition over its rich deposits of gold, coltan, and other valuable minerals.
In response, Ruto, as chairman of the East African Community (EAC), has convened an emergency summit on Wednesday. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi are expected to attend, alongside other regional leaders.
While military interventions have been attempted in the past, experts argue that lasting peace in the region requires addressing its deep-rooted issues, including resource exploitation, ethnic tensions, and governance challenges.
Ruto’s call for diplomacy has been echoed by international organizations. “This conflict will only end when all parties come to the table,” said one UN official.
As tensions rise, the world watches closely, hoping dialogue can prevent further bloodshed in one of Africa’s most mineral-rich yet conflict-prone regions.
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