President William Ruto has held talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ahead of an emergency meeting of East African Community Heads of State on Wednesday.

Media sources including the AFP reported that at least 17 people have been killed in the fighting and over 300 injured. 

The move comes after M-23 rebels declared that they had seized control of the eastern DRC capital of Goma, as well as the Goma branch of state broadcaster RTNC.

Ruto noted that President Macron expressed support for the regional efforts to deal with the already volatile situation in the region.

“President Macron also committed his country's support for the interventions being carried out, and for Kenya's participation in other peace initiatives in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan,” he added.

Separately, the head of state held talks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio over a range of issues including Kenya’s mission in Haiti.

“We also discussed the United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti and agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the mission serves its purpose,” reads the statement, in part.

Talks with Rubio also centered on the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement that seeks to increase investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Spokesperson for the state department Tammy Bruce added that Secretary Rubio praised Kenya’s efforts to promote regional stability.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to underscore the value of the U.S.-Kenya bilateral relationship and thank him for Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti.”

 The Secretary also reiterated the importance of Kenya’s role in promoting regional peace and security in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC.

At the same time, Rubio discussed the DRC situation with President Félix Tshisekedi.  

Rubio condemned the assault on Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 and affirmed the United States’ respect for the sovereignty of the DRC.  

“Secretary Rubio and President Tshisekedi agreed on the importance of advancing the Luanda Process and Angolan President João Lourenço’s efforts to restart talks between the DRC and Rwanda as soon as possible.”