U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
The appeal came during a phone conversation between the two leaders, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Friday.
The ongoing conflict, which has intensified with the rebel group capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, represents the most severe escalation in over a decade.
The crisis stems from deep-rooted tensions tracing back to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing battles over control of Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
While the United Nations, Western powers, and the Congolese government accuse Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the M23 rebels, Kigali has repeatedly denied these allegations.
In response to the growing instability, the U.S. recently imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior figure within an armed group for their alleged roles in fueling the conflict.
“Secretary Rubio and President Ruto reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the crisis,” the State Department said in a statement. Additionally, a diplomatic note obtained by Reuters earlier this month indicated that U.S. officials believe regional stability will require Rwanda to withdraw its military forces and advanced weaponry from Congolese territory.
