African leaders are awaiting military leaders’ response in eastern DRC to establish a ceasefire amid conflicts between M23 and Congolese forces. Following a summit in Tanzania, they demanded negotiation within five days. Recent violence has led to thousands of deaths and displacement, prompting calls for a swift resolution and humanitarian assistance.
African leaders are awaiting a response regarding their call for a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting continues between the M23 armed group and Congolese forces. Following their summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, leaders from various eastern and southern African nations urged military commanders from both sides to negotiate a peace deal within five days, including technical details for an immediate ceasefire.
The leaders also requested the establishment of humanitarian corridors to aid in evacuating casualties. This initiative followed discussions involving Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, with Kagame present and Tshisekedi attending via video link. Amid rising tensions, M23 fighters have taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC.
The United Nations reports over 3,000 deaths and thousands fleeing the violence amidst the fighting. Previous UN reports indicated that Rwanda had deployed around 4,000 troops in the DRC, allegedly benefiting from illegal mineral trade, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a militant group originating from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the potential for further escalations in the DRC if swift action is not taken. The current effort to restore peace is led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community but previous peace talks have repeatedly failed. Kenyan President William Ruto called for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and urged the M23 to stop advancing.
Discussions for a peace agreement between Kagame and Tshisekedi were set to take place in December but were canceled due to mutual accusations of responsibility for the failure. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity for collaboration to secure a ceasefire, warning that the conflict could endanger the entire region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has roots in historical ethnic tensions and geopolitical rivalries in the Great Lakes region. The M23 group, which re-emerged in 2021, has been fighting against the Congolese government, fueled by allegations of Rwandan support. Past attempts at peace negotiations, hosted by various countries, have consistently faltered, leading to a history of violence and instability. The current situation is marked by significant humanitarian challenges, with high casualties and displacement of people.
The situation in eastern DRC remains critical, with ongoing violence exacerbating humanitarian crises. The calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian support from African leaders reflect the urgency of the situation amidst failed negotiations and rising tensions. Continued international attention and collaborative efforts are vital to stabilize the region and to seek durable solutions to the underlying issues.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
