Inside Ruto’s High-Stakes Phone Call with US Secretary of State Rubio as Regional Tensions Soar – What Was Discussed?

President William Ruto on Friday, February 21 had a telephone conversation with U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the current crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In their conversation, the two leaders agreed that there was no military solution to the conflict in eastern DRC, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the unacceptable capture of Goma and Bukavu by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group,” the State Department said.

“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to push for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.”

“We emphasised the crucial role of the EAC-SADC joint-led process in de-escalating tensions and advancing peace efforts. This includes the appointment of facilitators, the implementation of the ceasefire, and the broader political process towards a lasting resolution,” President Ruto said.

Additionally, the two discussed the situation in the Republic of the Sudan and Kenya’s crucial role in providing a platform for key stakeholders – including political parties, civil society, and other actors – to engage in a process aimed at stopping the tragic slide of Sudan into anarchy and ensuring a pathway towards sustainable peace.

UN Security Council warns Rwanda

The phone call between the two leaders came on the same day the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed a resolution over the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

The UN Security Council, for the first time, called on Rwanda Defence Forces to stop supporting M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. This, despite the fact that Rwanda denies supporting M23.

The critical UN body adopted the resolution that strongly condemned the ongoing offensive and advance of M23 rebels in the region, calling on Rwanda to immediately withdraw from Congolese territory “without preconditions”.

The Council reiterated its urgent appeal for all parties to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by leaders from East and Southern Africa.

They Council also strongly urged the DRC and Rwanda “to return without preconditions to diplomatic talks as a matter of urgency to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in the region.”

“This delivers a clear message: there is no military solution to the conflict in the east of the DRC,” Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, the Permanent Representative of France to the UN in New York, who submitted the resolution, said. “The offensive carried out by the M23 supported by Rwanda must be put to an end.”