Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Monday that the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to attend a meeting on Wednesday to address the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. This follows claims by M23 rebels that they have taken control of Goma, a strategic city near the Congo-Rwandan border.
“We are all in agreement that now more than ever it is an existential issue, not just for the people of eastern DRC, but for this region,” Ruto said during a press briefing. “The situation in eastern DRC now demands our collective focus.”
The apparent fall of Goma, a city of roughly 2 million people, has heightened fears of widespread violence and displacement. Reports from Goma indicate that heavy fighting is underway near the city’s airport, with the sound of gunfire prompting residents to seek shelter.
For years, tensions have simmered between Congo and Rwanda, with Congo repeatedly accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels—a charge Kigali denies. On Monday, Congo’s government alleged that Rwandan troops are present in Goma, though there has been no immediate response from Rwandan officials.
Patrick Muyaya, a spokesperson for the Congolese government, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that authorities are striving to prevent further bloodshed. He urged Goma residents to remain indoors and avoid engaging in looting.
The meeting in Kenya, mediated by President Ruto, aims to facilitate dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. However, the growing violence underscores the urgency for regional leaders to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
