A crucial summit aimed at finding solutions to the ongoing violent conflict in eastern Congo is currently taking place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are gathering to discuss ways to end the rebellion threatening the Congolese government, with the M23 rebel group taking control of key areas in eastern Congo.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is among the attendees, and his government has faced accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, particularly in the North Kivu region.The M23 rebels have gained significant ground, including capturing Goma, a strategically important city near the Rwanda border. President Félix Tshisekedi of Congo, who is virtually participating in the summit, faces increasing pressure to address the growing crisis.
The M23 rebellion is partly fueled by tensions between Rwanda and Congo. Kagame has voiced concerns over rebel groups opposed to his regime operating within Congo, accusing the Congolese military of failing to act against them. Rwanda’s leadership also points to the discrimination faced by Congolese Tutsis and claims that Congolese authorities have neglected their legitimate concerns.
Adding to the complexity, Rwanda has criticized the deployment of SADC peacekeepers to North Kivu, asserting that their presence, particularly in conjunction with Congolese forces, has only exacerbated the conflict. The United Nations has also accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels, with estimates suggesting that around 4,000 Rwandan troops may be backing the insurgents.
At the summit, Kenyan President William Ruto, who currently chairs the EAC, stressed the need for dialogue, stating that “the lives of millions depend on our ability to navigate this complex situation with wisdom.” Ruto emphasized that people should not view dialogue as a weakness and encouraged all parties involved to engage in constructive discussions. However, Congolese President Tshisekedi has previously rejected direct talks with the M23, viewing the group as a proxy army for Rwanda seeking to exploit the region’s rich resources.
The M23’s recent offensive has reignited fears of a return to the instability of a decade ago when the group seized Goma, and it has shattered a ceasefire agreement brokered by Angola in 2024. The rebels have expressed intentions to govern Goma and advance further towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. In a statement to the summit, the Congo River Alliance, an umbrella group of rebels including M23, declared their fight as a national revolution and signaled their willingness to engage in direct talks with the Congolese government.
The international community, including the United States, is urging an end to hostilities and calling for the withdrawal of M23 and allied forces from Congolese territory. A recent meeting of the Economic Community of Central African States in Equatorial Guinea echoed these demands, urging the immediate pullout of Rwandan troops and the reopening of Goma’s airport to allow for humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the conflict.
The situation in Congo remains volatile, and the ongoing summit hopes to bring about a peaceful resolution that will address both the security concerns of neighboring countries and the humanitarian crisis faced by millions of people in the region.
