Regional leaders from East and Southern Africa have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as violence escalates in the country’s eastern region.
At a crisis summit in Tanzania, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) urged all warring factions, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, to engage in peace talks within five days.
Mounting Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The M23 rebels, who have seized large areas of eastern DRC, including parts of Goma, are now advancing toward Bukavu, raising concerns of a broader regional war.
The United Nations estimates that since January 2024, the conflict has resulted in:
- 2,900 deaths
- 700,000 displaced persons
- Thousands of injuries
In response, the summit directed regional military chiefs to draft a security plan for Goma and its surroundings.
Call for Diplomatic Solutions
A joint communique from the summit emphasized that:
“Political and diplomatic engagement is the most sustainable solution to the conflict.”
It also demanded:
- The reopening of Goma airport and key transport routes to allow humanitarian aid.
- The withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC territory.
M23 Rebels and Rwanda’s Alleged Role
The M23 rebel group, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, claims to be fighting for minority rights. However, the DRC government accuses the group of seeking control over the region’s vast mineral resources, allegedly with Rwanda’s backing.
At the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame again denied supporting M23. However, a UN expert report states that the Rwandan army is in de facto control of M23 operations, providing training and advanced weaponry to the rebels.
Following the summit, Kagame accused DR Congo of creating a security problem for Rwanda, while Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi opted to participate via video link, sending Prime Minister Judith Suminwa to attend in person.
Regional Leaders Urge Political Solutions
Kenyan President William Ruto, the current EAC chairperson, warned against relying solely on military action:
“We must resist the temptation to think that we can somehow shoot or bombard our way into a solution in the face of such a complex situation.”
Similarly, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged regional leaders to take responsibility, warning:
“History will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day.”
Decades-Long Conflict Escalates
The DRC conflict dates back to the 1990s, with repeated cycles of violence. However, the latest escalation has created one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises in recent years.
As a member of both the East and Southern African regional blocs, the DRC’s crisis remains a critical test for African diplomacy. The coming days will determine whether peace efforts succeed or if the region plunges into further instability.
