President William Ruto speaks during the EAC-SADC joint summit on DRC conflict in Tanzania on February 8, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto has reiterated that the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can only be resolved through dialogue and not military action.
Speaking at the joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Tanzania, Ruto emphasised the need for a comprehensive dialogue that addresses the underlying causes of the crisis while securing the DRC's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, describing it as protracted and involving multiple actors with varying interests.
The President also pointed to the "clandestine international dimension" influencing the situation, warning that the destructive effects of these external forces must no longer be ignored.
“For this reason, it is equally clear that such a conflict cannot be resolved through military means,” he said.
He said, “We must resist the temptation of thinking that we can somehow shoot or bombard our way into a solution in the face of the complexity involved.”
The dialogue, he said, must bring together multiple stakeholders including regional states and international bodies and in order to dialogue and collaborate to explore, develop, and implement a lasting solution.
Others are political organisations, civil society groups, and the Congolese government.
Ruto, however, the call for dialogue should not be construed for a sign of weakness.
He noted that this is a testament to “our collective wisdom and strength,” both as leaders and as a community.
The head of state at the same time called for a ceasefire between the warring factions to ensure the situation does not escalate.
“An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he stated.
Additionally, he urged the heads of state from the two blocs to fully commit themselves to the peace process.
This, as he urged the international to step up and do its part in supporting regional efforts in delivering for the DRC and, critically, collaborating with the government of the DRC to deliver support and security to those most in need.
He said for many well-known reasons, the situation in the DRC implicates the broader global community.
