African leaders convened a summit in Tanzania, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC within five days due to escalating violence from the M23 armed group. The situation has led to significant casualties and displacements. Key leaders underscored the need for humanitarian corridors and military cooperation, as the conflict threatens broader regional security.
A summit of African leaders convened on Saturday to address the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), issuing a call for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” to be established within five days. The meeting was prompted by the rapid territorial gains of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which have led to significant casualties and widespread displacement in the eastern DRC.
Held in Tanzania, the summit featured prominent leaders including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, with Kagame attending in person while Tshisekedi participated via video link. Leaders from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community were also present, united in their appeal for military chiefs from both nations to convene and devise a strategy for a ceasefire.
Additionally, the summit emphasized the necessity of establishing humanitarian corridors to facilitate the evacuation of the deceased and injured individuals affected by the conflict. Reports indicate that fighting continues to rage approximately 60 kilometers from Bakuvu, emphasizing the urgency of the leaders’ call for cessation of hostilities.
The M23’s recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has raised alarms, with speculation that the group is advancing into South Kivu. Local residents are experiencing escalating panic, seeking to flee as reports surface of a mass exodus at the border with Rwanda due to the overwhelming chaos.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has highlighted the grave humanitarian implications, asserting that nearly 3,000 individuals have perished since the M23’s incursion, with the actual figures likely exceeding this number. Additionally, his team is investigating numerous allegations of sexual violence and atrocities attributed to the conflict.
The M23 has taken significant control in the DRC, installing its own local governance in Goma and expressing ambitions to advance towards Kinshasa, the national capital. The DRC military’s struggles against the M23 have raised concerns of a potential regional conflict, with various countries, including South Africa and Malawi, already involved in military support efforts.
The summit of African leaders has underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC amidst escalating violence from the M23 armed group. The conflict continues to inflict severe humanitarian distress, prompting calls for humanitarian aid and military strategy sessions to address the situation. As the M23 seeks to expand its control, the international community watches closely for the potential implications on regional stability.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
