African leaders have united in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, advocating for an immediate end to hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians.
African Leaders Call for Urgent Ceasefire Amidst DR Congo Conflict
African Leaders Call for Urgent Ceasefire Amidst DR Congo Conflict
East and Southern African heads of state convene to address ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Leaders from both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have issued a plea for a prompt and unconditional ceasefire as violence escalates between government forces and the M23 rebel group. During a recent crisis summit, they called for peace negotiations to be initiated within five days, amidst growing concerns about a potential regional war.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have made substantial territorial gains in eastern DRC, including the capture of the major city of Goma and are now advancing towards Bukavu. The ongoing clashes have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with recent UN reports indicating that nearly 2,900 people have died since the start of the year and around 700,000 have been displaced.
During the summit, which gathered regional leaders, security officials were instructed to develop a strategic plan for Goma and its vicinity. The communique issued afterwards underscored the importance of political dialogue and diplomatic efforts for a sustainable resolution to the conflict, alongside calls to reopen Goma’s airport and restore essential transport routes for humanitarian assistance.
While President Kagame of Rwanda attended the summit, he denied allegations of supplying military aid to the M23 rebels, amid claims from UN experts asserting that Rwandan forces are effectively managing M23 operations. Following the talks, Kagame accused the DRC of exacerbating regional security threats.
DR Congo's President, Félix Tshisekedi, participated via video link, with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa attending in person. Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the EAC, highlighted the necessity of diplomatic solutions over military tactics, urging regional leaders to understand the broader implications of the crisis. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the collective responsibility of leaders to take decisive action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The roots of the DR Congo conflict extend back to the 1990s, but recent developments have intensified the urgency for a unified response from regional organizations as they confront the complexities surrounding the ongoing struggle for power and control over the nation's rich mineral resources.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have made substantial territorial gains in eastern DRC, including the capture of the major city of Goma and are now advancing towards Bukavu. The ongoing clashes have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with recent UN reports indicating that nearly 2,900 people have died since the start of the year and around 700,000 have been displaced.
During the summit, which gathered regional leaders, security officials were instructed to develop a strategic plan for Goma and its vicinity. The communique issued afterwards underscored the importance of political dialogue and diplomatic efforts for a sustainable resolution to the conflict, alongside calls to reopen Goma’s airport and restore essential transport routes for humanitarian assistance.
While President Kagame of Rwanda attended the summit, he denied allegations of supplying military aid to the M23 rebels, amid claims from UN experts asserting that Rwandan forces are effectively managing M23 operations. Following the talks, Kagame accused the DRC of exacerbating regional security threats.
DR Congo's President, Félix Tshisekedi, participated via video link, with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa attending in person. Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the EAC, highlighted the necessity of diplomatic solutions over military tactics, urging regional leaders to understand the broader implications of the crisis. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the collective responsibility of leaders to take decisive action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The roots of the DR Congo conflict extend back to the 1990s, but recent developments have intensified the urgency for a unified response from regional organizations as they confront the complexities surrounding the ongoing struggle for power and control over the nation's rich mineral resources.
