President Mohamud to Join EAC Leaders’ Efforts to Restore Peace in DRC

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is set to join fellow East African Community (EAC) leaders for an extraordinary summit focused on addressing the escalating conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The special summit, convened at the request of Kenyan President William Ruto, will also be attended by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

President Ruto, in his call for the summit, emphasized the importance of regional unity in addressing the crisis. “Peace and security are critical ingredients for trade and investment in the region,” he noted.

The summit aims to explore various initiatives to end the conflict, including the potential deployment of a joint peacekeeping force to monitor ceasefires and protect civilians. Additionally, leaders will discuss coordinated efforts to deliver essential humanitarian aid to displaced populations.

The agenda also includes enhancing diplomatic engagement with international partners to secure support for peace initiatives and promote economic development in Eastern DRC, which is vital for long-term stability.

With millions affected by ongoing conflict and displacement, the leaders’ commitment to resolving these issues is seen as crucial for the region’s recovery and prosperity. Recent reports indicate that the conflict has displaced over 5.5 million people in Eastern DRC, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis fueled by the activities of various armed groups operating in the region.