African leaders are awaiting a response for a ceasefire in eastern DRC amid escalating conflict between the M23 group and government forces. They have urged military chiefs to negotiate a ceasefire and establish humanitarian corridors. Ongoing violence has resulted in thousands of casualties and displacement, prompting international concern about the crisis impacting the region’s stability.
African leaders are currently awaiting a response to their call for a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following ongoing conflict involving the M23 armed group and Congolese government forces. Leaders from eastern and southern African nations convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where they urged military commanders from both sides to engage in discussions within five days regarding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. They have also advocated for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the evacuation of casualties from the conflict.
The discussions follow a significant escalation of fighting, particularly after the M23 group’s recent capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC and the capital of North Kivu province. Reports indicate that approximately 3,000 individuals have lost their lives and thousands more have been displaced due to the violence. The United Nations has expressed serious concern regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
UN assessments indicate that Rwanda has deployed around 4,000 troops in the DRC and has been implicated in the illegal exportation of valuable minerals such as gold and coltan. Tensions have escalated as Rwanda claims that the DRC provides refuge for the FDLR, a militant group associated with the Rwandan genocide. UN rights chief Volker Turk has warned that continued inaction could exacerbate the situation for individuals in eastern DRC and could ripple beyond its borders.
The latest diplomatic efforts are being conducted under the auspices of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. Previous peace initiatives hosted by Angola and Kenya have not achieved the desired results, and ceasefires have repeatedly failed. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for all parties to commit to the ceasefire, specifically urging the M23 to cease its advance and for DRC forces to refrain from retaliation.
Despite a planned meeting in December aimed at finalizing a peace agreement between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, the discussions were cancelled, with both parties citing mutual blame for the breakdown. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has similarly implored both factions to collaborate towards achieving a ceasefire, warning of the potential for regional instability if the conflict persists.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has roots in historical ethnic tensions and political instability, exacerbated by external influences and militancy. The M23 group, which has re-emerged since 2021, claims to represent the interests of minority Tutsis in the region. The DRC has long faced challenges in stabilizing its eastern provinces due to a proliferation of armed groups and interventions by neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, which has its own grievances stemming from past conflicts. Recent peace efforts have seen multiple failures, raising the urgency for decisive action to prevent a broader humanitarian crisis.
In summary, African leaders are urgently seeking a response to their ceasefire initiative in eastern DRC amidst a humanitarian crisis resulting from intensified conflict. With thousands dead and many displaced, the calls for negotiations and humanitarian support have become critical. The potential for regional destabilization poses an additional risk if diplomatic resolutions are not achieved promptly. Continued advocacy from the United Nations reflects the global community’s concern regarding the situation’s evolving nature.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
