African bloc urges DR Congo to directly engage with M23, calls for ceasefire in Goma

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - East African leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and urged the Kinshasa government to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group, to resolve the escalating conflict.

It was resolved at a special virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC) hosted by Kenya and attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame but skipped by his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi.

The 24th EAC leaders’ summit expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Congolese city of Goma, which has led to a significant loss of life and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

“The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population,” the leaders stated in their communiqué.

Congo's President Tshisekedi instead flew to Angola for talks with his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco as the EAC heads of state met virtually over the security situation in Goma.

The summit also condemned attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, urging the Congolese government to ensure the protection of embassies, diplomatic staff and property.

Acknowledging the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing the crisis, the EAC heads of state agreed to hold a joint summit with SADC leaders in the coming days.

The M23 rebel group launched an offensive last week, resulting in at least 42 deaths in Goma, including 17 peacekeeping forces, while Rwanda has said that nine of its citizens were killed in alleged cross-border fire from Congo.

The M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed control of Goma on Monday, but residents said the strategic city seems to still be under the control of both the rebels and government forces. President Kagame has frequently denied claims that Rwanda supports the rebels.

The M23 group claims that its fight is driven by grievances about alleged discrimination against Tutsi communities in the region. They claim that the Congolese government has not addressed their concerns, particularly about their safety and integration into the national military.

The Congolese government, on the other hand, accuses the M23 of destabilizing the region with external support, primarily from neighboring Rwanda.

The latest crisis has displaced thousands, many of whom have fled to Rwanda, including staff of international organizations like the UN and World Bank.