Congo’s president to skip East African Community summit on Goma crisis

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – The president of Democratic Republic of Congo will skip an upcoming virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC), a meeting called to address the ongoing crisis in his country.

A presidential spokesperson confirmed the cancellation to local media on Wednesday, stating that Felix Tshisekedi would not attend due to scheduling conflicts.

The summit, convened by Kenyan President William Ruto in his role as the EAC chair, aims to discuss the worsening security situation in eastern Congo and the city of Goma, where fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group has intensified.

The clashes have resulted in significant civilian displacement and heightened diplomatic tensions in the region.

Despite Tshisekedi’s absence, other regional leaders are expected to take part in the discussions to explore solutions to the escalating conflict.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accused by Congo of supporting M23 rebels, has confirmed his attendance to Ruto. Rwanda denies it supports the M23 rebels.

Allegedly backed by Rwanda, the rebel group has captured key towns but it remains unconfirmed whether they control the city of Goma.

Since last week, at least 42 people, including 17 foreign peacekeepers, have been killed in Goma, with hundreds injured in ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and rebel forces.