Kenyan President Calls Urgent East African Summit as Congo Conflict Escalates.

People displaced by the fighting with M23 rebels make their way to the centre of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Courtesy image.

In response to the worsening security situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President William Ruto of Kenya, who is the current chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an urgent summit to address the escalating conflict.

The move comes as tensions between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) continue to intensify, particularly in the North Kivu region.

The M23 rebel group has claimed responsibility for capturing the city of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, following fierce fighting with government forces. The city, which sits near the border with Rwanda, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing violence. The M23’s advance has led to widespread fear and uncertainty, prompting a large-scale displacement of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Humanitarian staff working in Goma have been forced to flee as fighting erupts between the rebels and government forces in the nearby town of Gisenyi, Rwanda, on January 27, 2025. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with thousands of people fleeing the violence, seeking refuge in nearby areas or across the border.

The situation in Eastern Congo has prompted international concern, with many organizations and neighboring countries calling for urgent action to stabilize the region. Kenya, through its leadership of the EAC, has taken swift steps to coordinate a response to the crisis. President Ruto’s call for an emergency summit aims to bring together leaders from the EAC member states to discuss measures that can be taken to address the conflict and mitigate the humanitarian impact.

As the M23 rebels gain ground in the region, the international community remains on high alert, with efforts being made to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence. The conflict has destabilized the region, creating a complex crisis that requires coordinated action from both regional leaders and the international community.

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