National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for increased support for President William Ruto’s diplomatic efforts in addressing the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that instability in the region directly affects Kenya’s economy.
Speaking on the matter, Wetang’ula emphasized the economic ties between Kenya and DRC, noting that the country is a key trade partner alongside Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
He stressed that the ongoing conflict in Congo has ripple effects on regional trade and economic stability.
“We’ve seen the nightmare going on in Congo, DRC. While we are here, we can think that Congo is far away, but it is a country that is dependent on Kenya for business and our economy,” he said.
“Our big exports go to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, South Sudan. If a disaster happens in Congo like the one we are seeing, it automatically affects our economy.”
Wetang’ula, a former foreign minister and ex-chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, urged regional leaders to support President Ruto’s mediation efforts as East African Community (EAC) chairman.
He emphasized the need for enhanced diplomatic engagement to protect lives, property, and economic stability.
“The support that our president needs in the efforts he is having should be widened and extended so that there is protection of property and no compromising security in the region and undermining our economies,” he stated.
He further called on African leaders to prioritize dialogue to ease the suffering caused by the crisis in the DRC.
“We urge our leaders to support the efforts of our president as chairman of the East African Community to engage in dialogue and save the agony that our people are going through,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the DRC, where ongoing conflict has raised concerns over regional security and economic disruptions.
