East and South African leaders are calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to address the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where fighting has intensified between government forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. During the Tanzania Crisis Summit, held in Dar es Salaam, leaders from the South African Development Community and the East African Community urged all parties, including the M23 rebels, to engage in peace talks within five days. The conflict has resulted in about 2,900 deaths since January and displaced approximately 700,000 people.
The summit highlighted the importance of political and diplomatic efforts in resolving the crisis, calling for the reopening of Goma Airport and increased humanitarian aid. M23, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsi fighters, is accused by the DRC government of seeking control of the region’s mineral wealth, while the rebels assert they are advocating for their rights against discrimination.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who attended the summit, has denied accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, despite UN reports suggesting Rwandan military involvement. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi participated via video link, while other regional leaders emphasized the need for a collective approach to ending the conflict. The ongoing violence has roots in historic tensions dating back to the 1990s, but recent escalations have heightened the urgency for resolution.
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