Ruto, Rubio Discuss Trade, Security Amid DRC Crisis

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone discussion today, focusing on Kenya-US trade relations, regional security, and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.

Ruto emphasized the importance of concluding the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), aimed at fostering investment and promoting sustainable economic growth. “We discussed the need to finalize the STIP agreement to unlock economic opportunities and strengthen trade ties,” Ruto stated.

The leaders also reviewed Kenya’s leadership in the UN-backed MSS mission in Haiti, agreeing on strategies to enhance its effectiveness in stabilizing the crisis-hit Caribbean nation.

Meanwhile, escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dominated regional security discussions. Fierce clashes between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have left at least 17 dead and over 300 injured, with tens of thousands displaced. M23 fighters reportedly control parts of Goma, though Congolese authorities dispute these claims.

Ruto, as chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an immediate ceasefire and announced an emergency regional summit this Wednesday. Leaders from Rwanda and the DRC are expected to attend.

Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, with Ruto welcoming the US government’s support for stabilization efforts in East Africa. The crisis in Goma underscores the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions, as accusations fly between Rwanda and the DRC over militia support.

The US pledged continued collaboration with Kenya on trade and security, strengthening Nairobi’s role in fostering stability across the region.