African Leaders Urge Immediate Ceasefire to Address DRC Crisis

African leaders convened a summit in Tanzania, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC following the aggressive activities of the M23 group. Reports indicate ongoing violence, with significant casualties and displacements. The situation necessitates urgent action from international and regional stakeholders to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis.

A summit of African leaders convened in Tanzania on Saturday concerning the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit resulted in a call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire within five days amidst the escalation of violence by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which has swiftly captured significant territories in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

This gathering saw participation from prominent leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who attended in person, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who joined via video conference. The final declaration emphasized the need for military leaders from both nations to convene within five days to facilitate a ceasefire and establish humanitarian corridors for evacuating the deceased and injured.

Reports indicate ongoing clashes near Bakuvu, approximately 60 kilometers from South Kivu’s provincial capital. The M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in a recent offensive and continues to threaten nearby regions, including South Kivu. Despite efforts to negotiate peace through various talks led by Angola and Kenya, previous ceasefires have collapsed, leading to renewed fears of prolonged instability in the area.

Rwanda has denied allegations of military support to the M23, despite a UN report asserting that Rwandan troops facilitate illicit mineral trade in the DRC. The conflict remains complicated by the presence of the FDLR, which the DRC accuses Rwanda of harboring. As the M23 advances, there are reports of increased panic among local populations in Bukavu, with residents attempting to flee.

The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, cautioned that conditions may worsen if decisive actions are not taken, with nearly 3,000 deaths and extensive allegations of sexual violence reported since the M23’s resurgence. The M23 has established local governance in Goma and has aspirations to reach Kinshasa, the national capital, despite the considerable distance. The DRC army, plagued by corruption and inadequate training, has retreated under pressure, heightening regional war concerns as multiple nations offer military support to the DRC.

In conclusion, the summit of African leaders has generated urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire to address the escalating conflict in the DRC, primarily attributed to the M23 armed group. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as local leaders work toward establishing peace, while alarming reports of violence and instability continue to surface. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive in hopes of restoring peace in the region.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com