The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, as calls for diplomatic engagement grow louder.
African Leaders Call for Immediate Ceasefire in DR Congo Conflict
African Leaders Call for Immediate Ceasefire in DR Congo Conflict
Regional summit in Tanzania urges peace talks amid escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
In an urgent call for peace, leaders from east and southern Africa united at a crisis summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, advocating for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit, spearheaded by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), emphasized the necessity for warring parties, including the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels, to engage in peace talks within five days.
The M23 rebellion has led to significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, including the crucial city of Goma, prompting fears of an expanding regional conflict. A communiqué issued during the summit highlighted the importance of political dialogue, asserting that "political and diplomatic engagement is the most sustainable solution to the conflict." The assembly also called for immediate measures to facilitate humanitarian aid, including reopening Goma airport.
According to recent United Nations reports, more than 2,900 people have lost their lives since January due to this conflict, with an estimated 700,000 individuals displaced and countless injured. As armed clashes continue, military leaders have been tasked with devising a robust security plan for Goma and its surroundings.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, attending the summit, has faced allegations of backing the M23 rebels, which he has vehemently denied. Despite accusations suggesting that the Rwandan army exercises significant influence over M23 operations, including recruitment and deployment of advanced weaponry, Kagame contends that the DRC is the source of rising security threats to Rwanda.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi participated in the summit via video, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa attended in person, though the delegation has yet to respond to the summit's resolutions.
Kenyan President William Ruto, currently chairing the EAC, emphasized the futility of military solutions alone in resolving this complex crisis. Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan reminded leaders of their "collective responsibility" to act decisively, warning that history will judge laxity harshly as conditions deteriorate.
The DRC's conflict, rooted in historical grievances dating back to the 1990s, has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, underscoring the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts. As a nation that shares its borders with multiple countries and is a member of both the EAC and SADC, the DRC's stability is essential for regional peace and security.
The M23 rebellion has led to significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, including the crucial city of Goma, prompting fears of an expanding regional conflict. A communiqué issued during the summit highlighted the importance of political dialogue, asserting that "political and diplomatic engagement is the most sustainable solution to the conflict." The assembly also called for immediate measures to facilitate humanitarian aid, including reopening Goma airport.
According to recent United Nations reports, more than 2,900 people have lost their lives since January due to this conflict, with an estimated 700,000 individuals displaced and countless injured. As armed clashes continue, military leaders have been tasked with devising a robust security plan for Goma and its surroundings.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, attending the summit, has faced allegations of backing the M23 rebels, which he has vehemently denied. Despite accusations suggesting that the Rwandan army exercises significant influence over M23 operations, including recruitment and deployment of advanced weaponry, Kagame contends that the DRC is the source of rising security threats to Rwanda.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi participated in the summit via video, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa attended in person, though the delegation has yet to respond to the summit's resolutions.
Kenyan President William Ruto, currently chairing the EAC, emphasized the futility of military solutions alone in resolving this complex crisis. Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan reminded leaders of their "collective responsibility" to act decisively, warning that history will judge laxity harshly as conditions deteriorate.
The DRC's conflict, rooted in historical grievances dating back to the 1990s, has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, underscoring the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts. As a nation that shares its borders with multiple countries and is a member of both the EAC and SADC, the DRC's stability is essential for regional peace and security.
