President William Ruto held in-depth discussions with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at the sidelines of the Energy Summit in Tanzania on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

According to the head of state, the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prominently featured in their conversation.

Ruto stated that Amina expressed concern over the escalating hostilities which had resulted in massive displacement and killing of over 10 soldiers taking part in the peacekeeping mission.

Amina sought support from President Ruto to ensure the safe return of the staff working with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

“She further assured Ruto that the UN was firmly supporting the East African Community in their bid to end the DRC hostilities. Various presidents are expected to converge on Wednesday January 29, 2025 on Ruto’s invitation to discuss the security situation in Goma and agree on the modality of engagement,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

“She expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, and sought support for the safety of staff working with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Ms Mohammed expressed the UN’s support for the regional efforts by the East African Community Heads of State to end the hostilities in Eastern DRC, including a meeting scheduled for Wednesday,” it added.

Ruto’s calls for ceasefire

On Monday, January 27, 202,5 Ruto condemned the escalating insecurity situation in the region noting that it was of grave concern.

Ruto noted that ongoing military actions, including the closure of airspace in Goma, were exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

“I call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, emphasise the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations and urge both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict,” he said.

The president, who is the chairperson of the East African Commission (EAC), called on the parties to the Luanda process and Presidents Félix Tshisekedi (Congo) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda) to heed the call for peace from the people of the region and the international community.

“I call on them to dedicate all efforts towards achieving peace in Eastern DRC and restoring good neighbourliness and essential principles underpinning regional peace and collective responsibility,” he added.