Rwanda’s President Kagame and Congolese President Tshisekedi meet in Tanzania with regional leaders to address the conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 group has captured territory, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacements. The summit aims to consolidate peace efforts amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi convened on Saturday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, alongside other regional leaders to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. The M23 armed group has aggressively captured territories in this mineral-rich region, resulting in thousands of fatalities and widespread displacement. Recently, the group seized the critical city of Goma and is advancing towards South Kivu province as long-standing instability continues to afflict the area.
The joint summit brings together members of the East African Community and the South African Development Community to seek resolutions amid ongoing violence. Since the M23 reemerged in 2021, multiple peace negotiations facilitated by Angola and Kenya have proven unsuccessful. Rwanda has denied allegations of military support for the M23, despite a U.N. report estimating approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops operating within DRC’s borders.
Tensions in the region have escalated, as local populations in towns such as Kavumu fear imminent attacks. The situation is dire, with reports of chaos at the Rwandan border as residents attempt to flee. Some local business owners are barricading their shops while schools have suspended classes due to fear of looting and violence. Bukavu, located near the border, is experiencing heightened anxiety of an M23 assault.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed grave concerns for the humanitarian situation, reporting nearly 3,000 confirmed fatalities and ongoing allegations of severe human rights violations, including sexual violence. The M23 has asserted control over Goma, even appointing its own local leaders, and has declared intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, despite the vast distance involved.
The DRC military’s reputation for ineffectiveness continues to hinder its ability to respond adequately to the M23’s advances, raising fears of broader regional conflict. Regional powers, including South Africa, Burundi, and Malawi, maintain military support for the DRC army, escalating tensions further. Foreign ministers from the region convened on Friday to discuss strategies ahead of the leaders’ summit.
Kenya’s Foreign Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the critical nature of the discussions, considering it a “golden opportunity” to consolidate previous peace initiatives from Angola and Kenya into a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged instability due to the emergence of armed groups like M23, which has led to violence, political unrest, and humanitarian crises. The region, rich in minerals, has been a center of conflict due to both internal disputes and external influences. Past attempts at peace have repeatedly failed, prompting the need for renewed efforts among regional leaders to avert further turmoil and human suffering in the area.
In summary, the summit in Tanzania represents a pivotal moment for regional leaders to address the escalating M23 conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With significant humanitarian implications and the potential for wider regional conflict, successful negotiations are critical. The collaboration among East African nations is essential to forge a sustainable peace and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
