The Eastern African Community (EAC) Heads of State called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, January 29, as M23 rebels cement their control of Goma. According to a communiqué from the 24th Extraordinary Summit, called by President William Ruto, seven heads of State were present, including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, but Felix Tshisekedi was not. "The summit called on all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," reads part of the agreement from the EAC Summit.
The EAC presidents further demanded, "For peaceful settlement of the conflicts, and strongly urged the government of the DRC to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances." Presidents Ruto, Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), and Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) attending the virtual EAC Summit on Wednesday, January 29.
PCS Present at the virtual meeting were President Ruto (current Chairperson of the EAC), President Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), President Paul Kagame, President Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), and President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda).
Tshisekedi snubbed the meeting by Ruto to discuss the security crisis in his country but confirmed attendance at a separate meeting convened by southern African countries, putting into doubt his commitment to the EAC bloc.
