Leaders from Eastern and Southern African regional blocs gathered for a joint summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday to address the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. The M23 rebels' recent capture of the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns about a wider war, despite their announcement of a cease-fire.
During the summit, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "History will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen, day by day." The unprecedented meeting of the regional blocs signals a deep concern over the crisis and the rift between Congo and Rwanda.
Amidst stalled peace processes, foreign ministers recommended actions including calling for a cessation of hostilities, an unconditional ceasefire, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid by reopening key routes. The M23 rebels' control over valuable mineral resources in North Kivu province has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation.
Reports of atrocities, including rape and sexual slavery, have surfaced, amplifying the need for a swift resolution. The conflict, with roots in past events such as the Rwandan genocide, continues to draw international attention, with the United States warning of potential consequences for Rwandan and Congolese officials.
The rebel group M23, composed of well-equipped fighters, is at the center of the conflict, accused by Congo's government of being a Rwandan proxy. Rwanda, however, denies direct involvement, citing the threat posed by a Hutu-led militia aligned with the Congolese military as a primary concern.