Key Takeaways:

• Leaders from Eastern and Southern African regional blocs have convened an unprecedented summit urging an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo.
• The M23 rebels have captured Goma, with fears this escalation could lead to a wider regional conflict.
• The summit emphasizes the necessity for dialogue involving all parties, including the Rwanda-backed M23.

As the violence in eastern Congo intensifies, especially following the M23 rebels' takeover of Goma, regional leaders convened for a critical summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This unprecedented collaboration between the Eastern African Community and Southern African Development Community is spurred by escalating humanitarian crises and fears of a broader war, as explained in reports from BBC and Reuters.

During the summit, leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amidst alarming reports that fighting has resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals and displaced hundreds of thousands. The rebels' rapid advance since January has raised international concerns, with the Associated Press noting that the humanitarian situation is dire.

While President Félix Tshisekedi participated virtually, he rejected prior suggestions for direct negotiations with M23, interpreting their actions as a power grab aimed at exploiting Congo’s rich mineral resources.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the talks amid accusations that Rwanda supports the rebellious faction with troops and military equipment. Despite Kigali’s denials, United Nations experts maintain there are approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers assisting M23 forces, which the rebels themselves deny, as covered by CNN.

The summit's declaration stressed the importance of political dialogue, stating that "dialogue is not a sign of weakness." Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized that the lives of millions depend on diplomatic efforts to handle the situation while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that the world would judge leaders harshly if they fail to intervene as chaos unfolds on their watch.

As M23 continues its advance, having captured the crucial city of Goma, fears escalate regarding regional stability. The call for an immediate reopening of Goma airport for humanitarian aid delivery reflects the urgent need for intervention in what is described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The summit also identified the detrimental role of foreign armed forces on Congolese territory, with a resolved demand for their withdrawal highlighted in communications, as also indicated by Africanews reports.

As the region grapples with the multifaceted implications of this ongoing conflict, leaders aim for sustainable solutions that can restore peace and stability in the area.