Leaders from Eastern and Southern African regional blocs convened for an unprecedented joint summit in Dar es Salaam on Saturday to address the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ongoing violence, driven primarily by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. The rebels last week seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, marking the worst surge in fighting in over a decade, resulting in significant casualties and humanitarian distress.

Despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire, the M23 group has continued its advance southward towards Bukavu. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the urgency of the situation during the summit, stating, “History will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen, day by day.” This unprecedented summit signifies a deep concern among African leaders regarding the crisis and the tense standoff between Congo and neighboring Rwanda.

The meeting is crucial, as the two regional blocs have previously been divided. The Eastern bloc aligns more closely with Rwanda’s calls for dialogue, while Southern leaders express strong support for Congo against the escalating violence and civilian casualties. Both blocs previously encountered obstacles in peace initiatives held in Luanda and Nairobi, and the latest discussions aim to bring about a breakthrough after these processes stalled amidst intensifying tensions.

Ministers from both blocs have proposed several recommendations, including a call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, an unconditional ceasefire, and the reopening of key transport routes such as Goma airport to facilitate vital humanitarian aid. The rapid advances of the M23 rebels, who have extended their grip over North Kivu’s valuable natural resource sectors—including coltan, gold, and tin—have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation.

International organizations report thousands of individuals displaced due to the conflict, with humanitarian efforts struggling to cope with the overwhelming needs. Health officials are racing against time to manage the bodies of at least 2,000 casualties from recent clashes in Goma, amidst rising concerns over disease outbreaks.

As tensions escalate, the United States has warned of potential sanctions against both Rwandan and Congolese officials, thereby increasing the stakes in this complex geopolitical dispute rooted in historical grievances stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and ongoing struggles over the DRC’s mineral wealth. While the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, Rwanda contends that it is acting out of self-defense against threats posed by Hutu militias allied with the Congolese military.

Amid these challenges, the International Criminal Court is reportedly monitoring the rising violence closely, with numerous accounts emerging of sexual violence amidst the chaos, as highlighted by the U.N. human rights office.

The ongoing leadership dialogue at this summit is seen as a pivotal moment for fostering regional collaboration and finding sustainable solutions to the conflict in DRC, as thousands of lives continue to hang in the balance.

For further details, visit Reuters.