Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), responding to the recent escalation of violence in the region. In a phone conversation, both leaders emphasized that a military solution is not viable and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The conflict has intensified with the advance of the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territories, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The M23, predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis, is reportedly backed by Rwanda—a claim Rwanda denies. The group's resurgence has led to severe humanitarian consequences, displacing over 40,000 people into neighboring Burundi in just two weeks.
REUTERS
The roots of this conflict trace back to the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, which saw millions of refugees, including perpetrators of the genocide, flee into eastern Congo. This influx destabilized the region, leading to prolonged unrest and competition over the DRC's vast mineral resources. Rwanda has been accused of supporting rebel groups like M23 to exploit these resources, allegations it consistently refutes.
THE TIMES
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations Security Council is poised to vote on a resolution urging Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern Congo and cease support for the M23 rebels. The draft resolution condemns the M23's advances and calls for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is profound. The recent surge in violence has led to mass displacements, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps where resources are scarce. Reports of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, have emerged, exacerbating the plight of the affected populations.
Regional leaders have also stepped up efforts to address the crisis. A summit held in Kampala, Uganda, brought together leaders from eastern and southern Africa, who collectively called for an immediate ceasefire and urged direct negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. Despite these calls, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has been reluctant to engage directly with the rebel group.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The United States has imposed sanctions on individuals allegedly involved in the conflict, including a Rwandan government minister and a senior member of an armed group. These measures aim to pressure parties to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue to restore peace in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the calls from President Ruto and Secretary Rubio underscore the urgency of a coordinated international response to halt the violence and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict in eastern DRC.
News
CS Ogamba Revokes Anangwe’s Appointment as UON Council Chair
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of Professor Amukowa Anangwe as the chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UON) Council, a decision made public through a Gazette Notice dated February 21, 2025.
Hamas Releases Five Israeli Hostages as Ceasefire Remains Fragile
Hamas has released five of the six Israeli hostages scheduled for release on Saturday, as tensions between Israel and the militant group cast uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire agreement.
Kirinyaga Woman Dies by Suicide After Three Previous Attempts
Maureen Wanjiku, a resident of Kirinyaga County, was found dead after reportedly taking her own life by hanging from a mango tree on Friday night.
Rwanda Rejects EU Parliament’s ‘Biased’ Stance on DRC Conflict
Rwanda’s Parliament has strongly condemned a recent resolution by the European Parliament on the security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing it of promoting a biased narrative.
Kisumu Woman Wanted for Stabbing Husband’s Alleged Lover
Police in Kisumu are searching for a woman accused of fatally stabbing another in a suspected love triangle incident in the Nyamasaria area of Kisumu East Sub-County.
President Ruto Appoints Habil Olaka as Hustler Fund Chair
President William Ruto has appointed Habil Olaka as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund) Advisory Board.
Trump Fires Top US General in Major Shake-Up at Pentagon
President Donald Trump has dismissed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q.
Plateau Governor Suspends Mining Over Rising Security Concerns
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has suspended all mining activities in the state due to growing security threats.
Nigeria to End Visa-on-Arrival Policy, Introduce New System
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to cancel its visa-on-arrival policy and replace it with a new system that requires visitors to pre-fill landing and exit cards before entering or leaving the country.
Hamas Returns Wrong Body After Failing to Hand Over Israeli Hostage
The body of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother of two who was killed by Hamas, was allegedly handed over to Israel on Friday after the terror group failed to return her remains in an earlier transfer.
LA Mayor Karen Bass Removes Fire Chief Over Palisades Fire Response
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing concerns over the department’s handling of the Palisades Fire in January.
President Museveni Meets Princess Zahra, Honors Late Aga Khan IV
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with Princess Zahra Aga Khan on Wednesday at State Lodge Nakasero, where he paid tribute to her late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.
Netanyahu: Hamas Returns Bodies of Child Hostages, Not Mother
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Hamas returned the bodies of three child hostages but not their mother, who was abducted with them during the October 7 attack.
China Raises Concerns Over New U.S. Tariffs in High-Level Call
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has voiced strong concerns to U.S.
DPP Appeals Waititu’s Acquittal in Money Laundering Case
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has moved to the High Court to challenge the acquittal of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu in a money laundering case.