In the discussions held on Friday, February 21, both leaders agreed that a military solution to the conflict is not a viable option. They jointly condemned the rebel group's actions and emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire.
A statement from the U.S. Department of State confirmed the call, noting that both President Ruto and Secretary Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis diplomatically: "Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. They stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire."
This marks the second time President Ruto has spoken with Secretary Rubio regarding the conflict. Their previous conversation took place on February 6, where Rubio expressed gratitude for Kenya's leadership in the Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti, which remains fully operational. He also commended Kenya’s ongoing efforts in promoting peace in the DRC.
The M23 rebels have taken control of key strategic locations in the DRC, including Kavumu Airport, significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis. Both Ruto and Rubio’s calls for a ceasefire align with those of African leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), who met during a summit in Dar es Salaam on February 9.
During the summit, regional leaders issued a final communiqué demanding an "immediate ceasefire" and the restoration of essential supply lines in the DRC. The communiqué also called for the EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to convene within five days to develop technical measures for enforcing a ceasefire.
The Chiefs of Defense Forces convened in Nairobi on February 21, as scheduled, and signed a final report. This report included several key recommendations that would be forwarded to the EAC Council of Ministers for further action. The recommendations include:
- An immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities
- Provision of humanitarian assistance
- Reopening of major supply routes
- Development of a security plan for Goma and surrounding areas
- Immediate reopening of Goma Airport
- Proposals for additional facilitative interventions
With tensions continuing to rise, the international community remains focused on finding a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in the DRC.