African Leaders Seek a Solution to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Leaders from regional blocs in East and Southern Africa are meeting in Tanzania (on Saturday) to discuss a resolution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Rwanda-backed rebels have taken control of a key city in the worst escalation of fighting in more than a decade.
Last week, rebels from the M23 movement seized Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. Despite a unilateral ceasefire declaration, they continued to advance southward toward Bukavu in a rapid attack that has left thousands dead and raised fears of a regional war.
A source reported that the presidents of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, and Rwanda, Paul Kagame, who have exchanged blame for the violence, have agreed to attend the summit, with Tshisekedi possibly participating remotely.
The Dar es Salaam summit aims to make progress after failed peace efforts in Luanda and Nairobi amid rising tensions.
According to a report (on Friday) from the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, as quoted by Reuters, “Given the escalating tensions, urgent priorities include a ceasefire and opening supply routes to facilitate humanitarian aid access.”
In the past month, the M23 movement expanded its control over mines for coltan, gold, and tin ore in North Kivu province, displacing thousands in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
