President William Ruto has made a bold move by arriving in Burundi to shake things up at the 20th extraordinary summit of EAC heads of state. This charismatic Kenyan leader has the plan to ensure that the world starts taking the DRC’s resources seriously, and it’s about time.
“Ruto Demands Audits and Accountability”
With the world’s attention on him, Ruto called for a much-needed audit of industrial supply chains to honor Congolese products. He declared, “It’s time for the world to recognize the obvious: the resources of the DRC belong to the people of the DRC, and global demand for these resources must enhance their well-being, not inflict misery.”
Ruto, who is known for his captivating speeches, highlighted the history of slavery and colonialism in Africa and how it relates to the industrial revolution in the West. He encouraged the international community to take multilateral collective action on the concerns raised by the heads of state.
“EAC Summit Focuses on DRC’s Security Crisis”
The EAC has finally recognized the volatile security situation in the mineral-rich country and has decided to convene in Bujumbura to find a way forward. In a statement, the EAC declared, “Evaluation of the Security Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo & Way Forward.”
Unfortunately, fresh fighting has once again erupted in the eastern DRC, and the M23 rebels have seized the strategic town of Kitshanga. However, the DRC’s army has withdrawn from the region in a tactical move to protect civilians.
“Uhuru Urges Urgent Ceasefire”
The Facilitator of the EAC-Led Nairobi Peace Process, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, held an urgent meeting with the EAC Technical Advisory Team following the escalation of fighting and targeted killings in the Itivu and North Kivu regions. He called for an immediate return to the negotiating table to promote trust and confidence among the parties to the conflict and alleviate further suffering to the people in eastern DRC.
A statement from Uhuru’s office read, “The facilitator expressed his deep concern about the serious violation of the Nairobi principles and the Luanda agreement and called for a calm and immediate cessation of hostilities.” The world is waiting with bated breath to see what happens next in this thrilling and dramatic situation in the DRC.
