Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a return to peace talks amid escalating violence in Goma.
He discussed the situation in a telephone conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose forces are accused of supporting M23 fighters in seizing Congolese territory, SABC News reported.
DEVELOPING | President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a telephone call with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to discuss the recent development in the eastern DRC and the escalation in fighting. SABC News International Editor @Sophie_Mokoena provides the latest news from the region. pic.twitter.com/v5K7rzrmJS
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 28, 2025
The conflict has claimed the lives of nine South African peacekeepers, 17 civilians, and displaced over 400,000 people in 2025 alone, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Kenyan President William Ruto, as chair of the East African Community, has called for an extraordinary summit to address the unrest, emphasising the need for dialogue and a renewed commitment to peace.
“I have discussed the summit meeting for Wednesday both with President Paul Kagame and with President Felix Tshisekedi, and both of them have confirmed their participation,” Ruto told a press conference on Monday.
“We do not see, from where I sit, a possibility of a military solution to the challenges that face Eastern DRC,” he said.
“A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in eastern DRC is a necessity,” Ruto said, referring to the Rwanda-backed armed group.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@presidencySA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
