EAC and SADC leaders are meeting in Dar es Salaam to discuss the security crisis in the DRC. The summit is crucial as it might facilitate a peace dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC following increased violence. Humanitarian concerns escalate as communities panic due to ongoing conflicts, prompting calls for immediate actions and negotiations.
Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Dar es Salaam to address the escalating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This summit is particularly significant as it may be the first in-person meeting for Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi since the breakdown of peace negotiations in December.
The urgency of the summit is heightened by the recent resurgence of violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels captured Goma, the region’s largest city, and advanced towards critical areas in South Kivu province. Despite a ceasefire declaration, fears of increasing conflict remain high, especially ahead of this crucial meeting scheduled for February 8.
The EAC and SADC have differing strategies for peace in the DRC. While the EAC promotes direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23 rebels, President Tshisekedi favors the SADC’s approach, which includes a demand for Rwanda’s military withdrawal from Congolese land, which has been a contentious issue.
Amid the conflict, there are significant humanitarian concerns as ongoing violence has caused panic among local populations. Communities in Bukavu, for example, are affected, and calls for immediate actions including a ceasefire and reopening of Goma airport for humanitarian efforts are on the agenda.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned that the violence in the DRC risks spilling into neighboring regions and urged all parties to engage in dialogue. He highlighted the urgent need for restraint among conflicting parties to prevent further escalation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced prolonged conflicts, contributing to instability and humanitarian crises in the region. The rise of M23 rebels, a significant armed group, has reignited tensions leading to violence and territorial disputes. Organizations such as the EAC and SADC play critical roles in mediating conflict and facilitating dialogue, although their methods and effectiveness often vary. This summit in Tanzania aims to unite leaders in a collaborative effort to restore peace amidst a deteriorating situation.
The impending summit in Dar es Salaam holds the potential to change the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the DRC. With key leaders attending, the emphasis is on achieving a ceasefire and negotiating the withdrawal of foreign troops. However, diverging views on peace strategies between EAC and SADC underline the complexities of the situation, leaving room for uncertainty about the summit’s outcomes.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
