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Leaders from East and Southern Africa have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end the deadly fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Regional Summit Demands Ceasefire and Dialogue
At a crisis summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, regional blocs—the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC)—called upon all warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in peace talks within five days. This appeal extended to the M23 rebels, a militant group backed by Rwanda.
M23, comprising ethnic Tutsis, has been in conflict with DRC government forces since early January. The rebels have captured vast territories, including the major city of Goma, in the eastern part of the country. Their advance towards Bukavu raises concerns about a potential wider regional conflict.
Humanitarian Consequences
The escalating violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. According to the latest United Nations reports, over 2,900 people have died due to the ongoing conflict between M23 and DRC forces. Additionally, about 700,000 individuals have been displaced, and thousands more have been injured.
During the summit in Dar es Salaam, leaders highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis. Delegates discussed the importance of opening Goma airport and other key transportation routes to facilitate the delivery of aid. They also stressed the necessity for withdrawing uninvited foreign forces from Congolese territory.
Political and Military Challenges
The conflict in the DRC traces back to the 1990s but has intensified significantly in recent weeks. M23 claims it fights for minority rights, while the DRC government accuses the group of seeking control over eastern DRC’s rich mineral resources.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who attended the summit, denied any involvement in supporting M23. However, a recent UN report suggested that Rwanda’s army maintains de facto control over M23 operations. The report details how M23 recruits undergo training under Rwandan supervision and are equipped with high-tech weaponry supplied by Rwanda.
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Following the summit, Kagame posted a statement on Facebook, accusing the DRC of mounting a “security problem” against Rwanda. This accusation further complicates the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict.
Regional and International Response
The summit saw the participation of key regional leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, who serves as the current EAC chairperson, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Ruto emphasized that military solutions alone cannot resolve such a complex crisis. He urged all stakeholders to avoid the temptation of violence as the only path forward.
Suluhu Hassan highlighted the collective responsibility of regional leaders to end the conflict. She warned that history would judge them harshly if they failed to act promptly.
The joint communique issued after the summit laid out a series of steps to end the conflict, including immediate cessation of hostilities and the start of peace talks. However, the lack of an immediate response from the Congolese delegation raised questions about the likelihood of successful implementation.
Given the complex nature of the conflict, a sustained commitment from all parties will be crucial to achieving peace and stability in eastern DRC.
Call to Action
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