African leaders are awaiting a response to their ceasefire call in eastern DRC amid ongoing violence between government forces and the M23 group. During a recent summit in Tanzania, they urged rapid negotiations for peace and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, and previous peace talks have failed, necessitating renewed efforts for stability in the region.
African leaders are currently awaiting the response to their call for a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting has been ongoing between government forces and the M23 armed group. During a two-day summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, heads of state from eastern and southern Africa urged military leaders from both sides to convene within five days to negotiate a peace agreement, emphasizing the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
The summit’s communique also highlighted the necessity to establish humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of casualties. These discussions followed talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, with the latter participating via video call due to the ongoing conflict. The M23 fighters recently captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, intensifying the crisis as they advance into South Kivu.
According to UN reports, approximately 3,000 individuals have perished, with many more injured, and thousands displaced due to the violence. The situation has been exacerbated by claims that Rwanda has deployed around 4,000 troops in the DRC and is allegedly benefiting from the illicit trade of gold and coltan, critical resources in technology manufacturing.
Tensions have escalated as Rwanda accuses the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a militia rooted in the Rwandan genocide. UN rights chief Volker Turk has cautioned that without intervention, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC could worsen, potentially impacting neighboring regions. Recent diplomatic efforts under the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community have sought to curtail the conflict, following unsuccessful peace talks.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who presides over the East African Community, urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire terms and called for M23 to cease its advance, while also asking DRC forces to refrain from retaliatory actions. Past attempts to arrange peace agreements have been marred by cancellations and mutual blame for failures in dialogue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the urgent need for collaboration towards peace, warning of the possibility of regional instability as the conflict continues.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has been marked by violence largely instigated by the M23 armed group, which has re-emerged in the region since 2021. The DRC government faces significant challenges as it seeks to stabilize the area amidst accusations of foreign involvement, particularly from Rwanda. This situation has resulted in a high toll on civilian lives and placed immense strain on humanitarian resources. Various international and regional efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace continue to be critical in responding to this destabilizing conflict.
In summary, African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a ceasefire in the Eastern DRC, with urgent diplomatic efforts aimed at mitigating the violence between government forces and the M23 group. The humanitarian crisis demands immediate solutions, including evacuation routes for those affected by the conflict. Continued collaboration and dialogue will be vital for achieving lasting peace in this volatile region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
