Nairobi, Kenya – The escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised serious concerns among regional leaders, with Kenyan President William Ruto warning of the potential for further instability and cross-border repercussions.

Speaking at a joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, co-chaired with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ruto stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent the crisis from deepening.

The summit, attended by 15 heads of state and high-level representatives, reviewed recommendations from a previous Harare meeting and outlined a set of immediate, medium, and long-term strategies aimed at restoring peace in the DRC.

As part of the resolution, a panel of facilitators—comprising former presidents from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Central African Republic, and Ethiopia—was appointed to spearhead diplomatic efforts in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN).

Additionally, Ruto and Mnangagwa were tasked with convening a briefing session within a week to coordinate regional responses and ensure a united approach to addressing the crisis.

The recent capture of Walikale, a key mining hub, by the M23 rebel group marks their furthest advance westward since 2012, further intensifying security concerns.