Leaders from Eastern and Southern Africa are gathering in Tanzania to find a solution to the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Goma, the region’s largest city, marking the worst surge of violence in over a decade. Despite declaring a ceasefire, the M23 rebels continue to push south towards Bukavu, causing thousands of deaths and raising fears of a regional conflict.
Summit Goals
Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who have been blaming each other for the violence, will attend the summit. Tshisekedi might join remotely. The summit in Dar es Salaam aims to achieve what previous peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi could not. Immediate goals include securing a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid can reach those in need.
Humanitarian Crisis
The M23 rebels’ rapid advances have expanded their control over North Kivu province’s valuable coltan, gold, and tin ore mines. This has worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations are overwhelmed and struggling to manage the influx of casualties. Health workers are racing against time to bury the bodies of at least 2,000 people killed in the battle for Goma, amid concerns of disease spread due to unsanitary conditions.
International Concerns
The International Criminal Court is monitoring the situation closely, with reports of severe human rights violations. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has highlighted these atrocities. The United States has warned of possible sanctions against Rwandan and Congolese officials, raising the stakes further. This conflict has deep roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the battle for control over Congo’s mineral resources.
Accusations and Denials
The M23 is an ethnic Tutsi-led rebel group with professional training. Congo’s government accuses the M23 of being a proxy for Rwanda, a claim the rebels deny. Rwanda also denies its troops are fighting alongside the M23 rebels and claims it is acting in self-defense. Rwanda accuses Congo’s military of collaborating with Hutu-led militias intent on attacking Tutsis and threatening Rwanda. Rwanda has called for direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the rebels.
A Crucial Opportunity
The summit in Dar es Salaam is a vital chance for regional leaders to work together and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Addressing the root causes of the violence is essential for achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo.