Tshisekedi Declines Participation in Goma Peace Summit Amid Ongoing Violence

Tens of thousands have been displaced, and protests erupt against perceived foreign intervention in the conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi has announced that he will not attend a regional summit aimed at addressing the ongoing rebel takeover of Goma, according to state media reports. Kenyan President William Ruto extended the invitation to Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to join the talks, which coincide with worsening violence in the eastern city. Amidst the chaos, corpses remain on the streets after intense fighting with the M23 rebel group.

Rwanda has faced accusations of providing support to the M23 insurgents, who currently control significant parts of Goma, including the airport. Reports indicated that around 280 Romanian mercenaries aligned with the Congolese army surrendered to the rebels, as confirmed by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). Although the Rwandan government has stated its willingness to participate in the summit, it did not clarify Kagame's expected attendance.

The situation in Goma showed a brief lull on Wednesday, with sporadic gunfire reported in some neighborhoods as residents cautiously ventured out to find dwindling food supplies. Amidst the increasing chaos, the Congolese news agency revealed Tshisekedi's decision not to attend the summit, though it did not specify the reasons behind this choice.

Since the conflict reignited earlier in the week, clashes have overwhelmed hospitals, leaving bodies scattered and essential services disrupted. The UN has reported looting of food and medical supplies, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis. In response to the escalating violence, demonstrators targeted foreign embassies in Kinshasa, demanding international intervention against the rebels. At least ten embassies were vandalized as protesters expressed outrage over the M23 assault and foreign involvement in the conflict.

Currently, M23 seeks to expand its control beyond Goma, reportedly advancing towards Bukavu, as confirmed by various diplomatic and security sources. The regional summit, called by Ruto under the East African Community (EAC), aims to foster dialogue among leaders in the region to stabilize the situation, yet Tshisekedi's absence is a significant concern as the conflict continues to affect thousands.