African leaders at a summit in Tanzania have called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” concerning the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The M23 armed group, which has made significant territorial gains, has been involved in intense fighting that has caused thousands of casualties. The summit urged military leaders to meet and establish ceasefire protocols, while humanitarian concerns continue to mount.
A summit of African leaders convened in Tanzania called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” within five days regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has intensified its offensive, resulting in significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, a region known for its mineral wealth, leading to thousands of fatalities and widespread displacement.
Present at the summit were Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, with Kagame attending in person, while Tshisekedi participated via video link. The final communiqué urged military leaders from both nations to convene within five days to strategize the implementation of the ceasefire and proposed the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the evacuation of victims.
Reports indicated that fighting continues near Bakuvu, approximately 60 kilometers away. The M23’s recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has heightened tensions as the group advances into South Kivu amid a longstanding cycle of violence in the region.
Local civilians have expressed increasing alarm as the M23 approaches critical locations, such as the town of Kavumu, which is vital for military logistics. Many residents of Bukavu are barricading shops and attempting to escape as chaos unfolds, with the crossing into Rwanda becoming difficult due to the volumes of fleeing persons.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk cautioned that failure to address the situation could have dire consequences for the inhabitants of eastern DRC and surrounding areas. Turk reported nearly 3,000 confirmed deaths since the M23’s incursion into Goma began, and the actual figures may be even higher, with numerous reports of sexual violence currently under investigation.
The M23 controls Goma, having established its own governance structures, and has announced its intent to advance towards Kinshasa, a daunting distance of approximately 1,000 miles. The DRC’s military, criticized for its ineffectiveness, has been compelled to retreat amidst mounting hostilities, raising concerns regarding the potential for a broader regional conflict as various nations engage in military support for DRC.
The summit of African leaders emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC as fighting escalates in the eastern region. Despite calls for peace, the ongoing violence perpetrated by the M23 group has led to significant casualties and humanitarian crises. The situation remains precarious, with local populations facing dire conditions and fears of further instability affecting the broader region.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
