Eastern, Southern African Leaders Summit on DRC Crisis Underway in Tanzania

A joint summit of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is being held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to address the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured Goma, the largest city in the region. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose government is accused of supporting the M23 rebels, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, participating virtually, are among the key figures at the summit. The M23 insurgency has raised concerns about a wider conflict, prompting calls for an unconditional ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. Leaders are divided on how to approach the crisis, with eastern bloc countries favoring dialogue and southern countries backing Congo. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized that the conflict cannot be resolved militarily and urged for a diplomatic approach to address its root causes. The summit follows failed peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi, highlighting the urgent need for a breakthrough.