In a decisive summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) urgently called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The assembly expressed deep concern over the bloodshed caused by intense fighting between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have captured extensive territories, including the critical city of Goma.
African Leaders Demand Swift Ceasefire in DR Congo Crisis
African Leaders Demand Swift Ceasefire in DR Congo Crisis
East and Southern African leaders meet in Tanzania, insisting on urgent peace talks to address escalating conflict.
At the summit, held in Tanzania's largest city, attendees emphasized the need for unconditional peace negotiations involving all conflicting parties within a five-day timeframe. The M23 rebellion has intensified fears of a broader regional conflict, raising alarm bells over a humanitarian crisis impacting nearly 700,000 displaced individuals and claiming approximately 2,900 lives since the conflict's escalation this January.
An urgent communique issued after the summit directed military leaders to formulate a comprehensive security plan for Goma and surrounding areas while also advocating for the reopening of Goma International Airport and other essential routes to restore humanitarian aid supplies. Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the meeting, advocating for regional stability despite previous allegations of Rwanda's military involvement alongside the M23.
The DRC government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, voiced its concerns through Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, who attended the summit in person, while Tshisekedi appeared via video link. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto, chairing the EAC, articulated the need for diplomatic engagement over military action, emphasizing the complexity of the crisis. Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan added that regional leaders share a "collective responsibility" to halt the worsened conflict, asserting that history would judge leaders harshly for inaction.
The longstanding conflict in the DRC—which has its roots tracing back to the 1990s—has seen recent escalations, reflecting the intricate interplay of ethnic strife, political instability, and control over the region's abundant natural resources.
An urgent communique issued after the summit directed military leaders to formulate a comprehensive security plan for Goma and surrounding areas while also advocating for the reopening of Goma International Airport and other essential routes to restore humanitarian aid supplies. Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the meeting, advocating for regional stability despite previous allegations of Rwanda's military involvement alongside the M23.
The DRC government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, voiced its concerns through Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, who attended the summit in person, while Tshisekedi appeared via video link. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto, chairing the EAC, articulated the need for diplomatic engagement over military action, emphasizing the complexity of the crisis. Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan added that regional leaders share a "collective responsibility" to halt the worsened conflict, asserting that history would judge leaders harshly for inaction.
The longstanding conflict in the DRC—which has its roots tracing back to the 1990s—has seen recent escalations, reflecting the intricate interplay of ethnic strife, political instability, and control over the region's abundant natural resources.
