In a critical response to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) convened at a summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The summit aims to promote peace talks among warring factions, primarily the government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, whose advances have raised alarm about potential wider regional repercussions.
Immediate Ceasefire Urged at East African Summit Amid Deadly Conflict in DR Congo
Immediate Ceasefire Urged at East African Summit Amid Deadly Conflict in DR Congo
Leaders from Southern and East African blocs convene in Tanzania to address escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
Attendees emphasized the urgent need for dialogue, urging all involved parties to commence talks within five days. As violence continues, leading to approximately 2,900 fatalities and displacing around 700,000 people in 2023 alone, the situation remains dire. The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains, including overtaking the city of Goma and advancing toward Bukavu.
A follow-up communique from the summit highlighted the necessity of political and diplomatic efforts as viable pathways to lasting solutions. Key recommendations included the reopening of Goma airport and the withdrawal of foreign armed groups from DRC territory. Regional leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasized a collective responsibility to address the conflict rather than resorting solely to military measures.
Kagame, who attended the summit, maintains that Rwanda is not involved in supporting the M23 rebels, despite reports from UN experts suggesting otherwise. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi participated via video link, alongside other leaders, who all share the same concern that the humanitarian crisis must be the priority amid complex regional dynamics.
The conflict, which has deep historical roots dating back to the 1990s, has recently intensified, further complicating DRC's challenges as a massive nation rich in resources yet struggling with internal strife. The summit concluded with a resolute call for peaceful negotiations to mitigate the escalating violence.
A follow-up communique from the summit highlighted the necessity of political and diplomatic efforts as viable pathways to lasting solutions. Key recommendations included the reopening of Goma airport and the withdrawal of foreign armed groups from DRC territory. Regional leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasized a collective responsibility to address the conflict rather than resorting solely to military measures.
Kagame, who attended the summit, maintains that Rwanda is not involved in supporting the M23 rebels, despite reports from UN experts suggesting otherwise. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi participated via video link, alongside other leaders, who all share the same concern that the humanitarian crisis must be the priority amid complex regional dynamics.
The conflict, which has deep historical roots dating back to the 1990s, has recently intensified, further complicating DRC's challenges as a massive nation rich in resources yet struggling with internal strife. The summit concluded with a resolute call for peaceful negotiations to mitigate the escalating violence.
