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 the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, the State Department announced on Friday.
Escalating Conflict in Eastern Congo
The latest offensive by M23 marks the most severe escalation in over a decade of conflict in eastern Congo, a region long plagued by violence stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over Congo’s rich mineral resources. Rwanda denies allegations from Congo, the United Nations, and Western nations that it provides military support to the rebels.
US Sanctions and Regional Stability
The call for a ceasefire follows Washington’s announcement of sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior member of an armed group for their alleged roles in the conflict. A recent U.S. diplomatic note, reviewed by Reuters, emphasized that regional stability requires Rwanda to withdraw its military forces and advanced weaponry from Congolese territory.
Key Statements
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the unacceptable capture of Goma and Bukavu by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group,” the State Department said.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to push for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.”
