EAC to convene urgent meeting on DRC crisis as Goma risks falling to M23 rebels

Displaced civilians from the camps in Munigi and Kibati carry their belongings as they flee the fight between M23 rebels and DRC’s armed forces in Goma on January 26, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Aubin Mukoni)

By Mwangi Maina
Monday, January 27, 2025

Ruto revealed that he had spoken with both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to defuse the situation.

President William Ruto, the chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), has announced an emergency summit within 48 hours to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“After consulting the heads of state of EAC member states, we will convene an extraordinary summit in the next 48 hours to chart the way forward,” a statement released on Sunday read.

More To Read

It also emphasised the need for de-escalation of tensions and conflict.

Ruto revealed that he had spoken with both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to defuse the situation.

“The escalating deteriorating peace and security situation in the DRC is of grave concern. The humanitarian crisis is being exacerbated by ongoing military actions, including the closure of airspace in Goma,” he said.

He further urged the African Union (AU) to take a more active role.

“The EAC stands ready to forge stronger collaboration with the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and the international community in encouraging the warring parties to give priority to dialogue,” Ruto said.

Monusco soldiers ride on a pickup truck as they secure the evacuation of non-essential UN staff following the fight between M23 rebels and DRC armed forces in Goma, North Kivu province on January 25, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi)

Despite his mediation efforts, Ruto has previously been criticised by President Tshisekedi, who accused him of interfering in Congo’s internal affairs.

The urgency comes as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announced on Sunday that they had taken control of Goma, a strategic city in eastern DRC, after a swift offensive.

“We have taken Goma and have ordered soldiers to surrender by 3 am local time,” Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, told Reuters.

The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, fuelling fears of a regional conflict. Their latest assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has forced thousands to flee, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Whether the EAC meeting will yield meaningful outcomes in resolving the conflict remains uncertain.