African leaders are urging military chiefs from the M23 group and the Congolese government to negotiate a ceasefire after escalating violence in eastern DRC. A summit in Tanzania highlighted the need for humanitarian corridors and a meeting within five days. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, with tensions heightened due to accusations against Rwanda and a stalled peace agreement between Kagame and Tshisekedi.
African leaders are currently awaiting a response regarding their request for military leaders from the M23 armed group and the Congolese government to negotiate a peace agreement. This follows a summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where two dozen heads of state urged for a meeting within five days to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, alongside the opening of humanitarian corridors for evacuating casualties.
At the summit, discussions involved Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. President Kagame attended in person while President Tshisekedi participated via video link. The situation escalated as M23 fighters captured Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, and many have fled the violence, with UN reports stating over 3,000 fatalities and thousands injured.
The UN has highlighted Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the DRC, citing that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in the region and benefiting from illegal mineral trade. Tensions persist as Rwanda accuses the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a group associated with past genocidal acts. UN rights chief Volker Turk has warned of further potential escalations in the conflict that could affect not only the eastern DRC but the broader region.
This latest peace initiative is endorsed by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. Previous attempts at ceasefire negotiations since the resurgence of M23 have been unsuccessful, with multiple agreements failing to take hold. Kenyan President William Ruto has urged both parties to finalize the ceasefire and for the M23 to halt their advances.
While a meeting between Kagame and Tshisekedi was planned in December in Angola to finalize a peace agreement, it was unfortunately postponed, with accusations exchanged between both sides regarding the fallout. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for collaboration towards a ceasefire, underscoring the urgency of the situation that threatens regional stability.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) involves combat between the M23 armed group and the Congolese government forces. The worsening situation has prompted African leaders to organize summits aimed at fostering discussions and securing peace agreements. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians, fueling humanitarian concerns both in the DRC and neighboring countries.
The urgency surrounding the situation in eastern DRC is underscored by the recent summit of African leaders advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance. While attempts at negotiation and ceasefires have repeatedly faltered, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution to prevent further regional destabilization. Continued dialogue and cooperation among the involved parties are critical in averting an escalation of violence and securing peace for affected civilians.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
