President Ruto, U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold talks over DRC crisis

In a telephone conversation between U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Ruto on Tuesday, the two leaders discussed the recent developments in Somalia and South Sudan. 

They also affirmed their commitment to ending the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that has gripped the nation.

Kenya has invested in regional peace efforts, primarily positioning itself as a key mediator in the DRC conflict. 

"Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to thank him for Kenya’s leadership on regional peace and security and discuss recent developments in Somalia and South Sudan. They also discussed the need to end ongoing conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan," the State Department said. 

The escalating situation in DRC has been a cause for concern among neighbouring nations who fear that the turmoil may spill over to other regions.

The war has led to 7,000 fatalities and countless injured, with the violence stemming from armed groups, notably M23 rebels who have staged an offensive against the government.  

"Other than getting better, it's getting worse. Therefore, it is a source of concern from the entire East African Community. President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame held meetings in the past few days show how they're equally committed to ending the war," Ruto said during a joint East African Community-Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on Monday, March 24. 

In South Sudan, the United Nations warned of a renewed civil war as tension between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Rick Machar escalates. 

The tension ensued in 2011 when both forces collided, killing more than 40,000 people. This led to a 2018 peace deal to form a government of national unity. 

Tensions were, however, renewed when White Army, a group believed to be allied to Machar, took over a military base in northeastern Upper Nile. In retaliation, the South Sudanese military surrounded Machar's home and arrested his allies. 

In Somalia, several measures have been taken to curb Al Shabaab militants who have control over territories in rural, central and southern regions.

The Somali government, alongside the African Union, is working to get rid of foreign forces by replacing them with the Somali National Army. 

Currently, AU is finalising the deployment of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), meaning that over 11,900 troops will be serving by next year.