A joint summit of two major African groups, the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), wrapped up in Tanzania on Saturday, calling for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The summit, held in Dar es Salaam, urged defense chiefs from both groups to meet within five days and help implement a ceasefire in the conflict-hit regions of North and South Kivu.
The violence, caused by M23 rebels, has taken a heavy toll. Thousands have fled their homes, and nearly 3,000 people have died since last month. The rebels recently seized the city of Goma, adding to the already dire situation. The leaders at the summit emphasized the need to reopen crucial supply routes and the Goma airport to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
The summit’s declaration pushed for an immediate ceasefire and called for efforts to secure Goma and the surrounding areas. Leaders also stressed the importance of providing aid, including repatriating displaced people and offering medical evacuations. M23 has taken control of Goma and set up its own administration, complicating efforts to restore peace.
Tensions between Congo and Rwanda have added another layer of complexity. Congolese officials have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, although Rwanda has denied these claims. President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo, who attended the summit virtually, chose not to meet with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, reflecting the strain in their relationship.
The summit also called for direct negotiations between all involved parties, including the M23 rebels, through the ongoing peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi. Additionally, the leaders urged Congo to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions in its capital, Kinshasa, after recent attacks on embassies and staff.
Looking ahead, the leaders agreed on a plan to address the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and to work towards the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congo. A follow-up meeting of defense ministers will be held in 30 days to check on progress and determine the next steps in resolving the conflict.
As the situation remains tense, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution and an end to the suffering of the people caught in the crossfire.
