EAC heads of state call for truce in eastern DRC

NAIROBI – East African Community (EAC) heads of state have called on warring parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to cease hostilities amid escalating tensions in the eastern part of the country.

The call follows intensified fighting this month by the M23 rebellion in the DRC’s mineral-rich east, with the rebels seizing control of more territory.

During the 24^th extraordinary summit chaired by EAC Chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto, the regional bloc urged an immediate ceasefire.

“The summit called on all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population,” reads the communiqué issued after the summit.

EAC leaders further called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, urging the DRC government to engage directly with rebel groups in peace talks.

“Strongly urged the government of DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances,” the communiqué added.

The regional bloc also urged the DRC to protect diplomatic missions, lives, and property.

“The summit expressed concern about the expanding crisis manifesting in attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies and staff based in Kinshasa,” the communiqué stated. “Accordingly, the summit urged the government of DRC to protect diplomatic missions, lives and properties.”

President Ruto conveyed condolences to families affected by the recent developments and wished a quick recovery to those injured.

The summit noted the involvement of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in eastern DRC and asserted that they would consult with the SADC chairperson on its mandate and way forward.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi did not attend the virtual meeting.

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks. Congolese rebels said on [Date of Goma Capture] that they had taken Goma, the biggest city in the east of the country, after a rapid advance that has forced thousands to flee and fueled concerns of a regional war.

“We have taken Goma and have ordered soldiers to surrender by 3:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT),” Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes the M23, told Reuters.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have quickly gained ground this month in the DRC’s conflict-ridden eastern borderlands and launched an assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, earlier this week.

The United States, France, and Britain have condemned what they said was Rwanda’s backing of the rebel advance. Kigali has long denied supporting M23.