By Spy Uganda
The political situation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to worsen, with increasing tensions as a Rwanda-backed armed group reportedly entered the Congolese city of Goma. In response to this escalating crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed that both Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi will attend a high-level summit on Wednesday, aimed at addressing the situation in the volatile eastern DRC.
Kenya, which currently holds the chairmanship of the eight-member East African Community (EAC), is playing a central role in mediating the conflict. Both Rwanda and the DRC are EAC members, which provides a platform for dialogue, though their relations have been strained for years over accusations of Rwanda supporting armed groups in the DRC.
On Monday, President Ruto told the press that he had personally discussed the summit with both Kagame and Tshisekedi, and both leaders confirmed their participation. However, the location of the summit has not yet been disclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the diplomatic efforts.
“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,” Ruto said during the press conference. “We do not see, from where I sit, a possibility of a military solution to the challenges that face Eastern DRC,” he added, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement is critical for resolving the ongoing conflict.
Tensions have been rising in the region for months, with the M23 rebel group—accused by the DRC of being backed by Rwanda—continuing to advance through eastern DRC, including taking control of Goma, a strategic city near the Rwandan border. While Rwanda has denied any involvement in the M23 group, the DRC government and many international observers believe that Rwanda is providing support to the rebels, a claim that Kigali strongly denies.
Today, reports from Goma indicate that the M23 has made significant strides in securing territory around the city, further intensifying fears of a full-scale conflict. The situation is compounded by the presence of various other armed groups in the region, creating a volatile environment that has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians and growing humanitarian concerns.
The crisis summit on Wednesday is seen as a critical opportunity for both leaders to engage in dialogue, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be reached. The EAC has previously tried to mediate the conflict, but the results have been limited, with both sides failing to agree on key issues. The summit is expected to focus on de-escalation efforts and the potential for a joint approach to address the ongoing insurgency in the region.
