Leaders from East and Southern Africa have jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt the deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a crisis summit in Tanzania, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community urged all involved parties, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, to engage in peace talks within five days.
The M23 rebels, who are in conflict with the government forces, have captured significant territories in eastern DR Congo, notably Goma. Their advance towards Bukavu has sparked concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Additionally, military leaders have been tasked with developing a security plan for Goma and its surroundings. Recent UN data indicates that approximately 2,900 individuals have perished since early January due to the clashes between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces, with around 700,000 displaced and thousands more injured.
At the summit in Dar es Salaam, attended by heads of state and governmental representatives, the emphasis was on seeking political and diplomatic solutions to the conflict. The summit highlighted the necessity of reopening Goma airport and other vital routes for humanitarian aid, as well as the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from Congolese territory.
The M23 rebels, predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis, claim to be advocating for minority rights, while the DR Congo government accuses them of vying for control of the region's valuable mineral resources. Despite Rwanda's President Paul Kagame denying involvement in supporting the rebels, tensions remain high.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DR Congo participated in the summit via video link, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa was present in person. Kenyan President William Ruto, the current EAC chairperson, stressed that military actions alone cannot resolve the crisis.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the collective responsibility of regional leaders in ending the conflict, stating that inaction could lead to severe judgment from history. The conflict, rooted in the 1990s, has recently intensified, underscoring the urgent need for resolution in the vast and complex DR Congo.