Congo's Prime Minister Represents Tshisekedi at AU Summit Amid Escalating Violence

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi will not attend the African Union summit's key meeting on the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, delegating Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka instead. This decision comes amidst increasing tensions as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced into South Kivu province, raising fears of a broader conflict in the region. The summit aims to address these issues, but diplomatic progress appears unlikely, with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame remaining defiant against international pressure to withdraw support for the rebels. Tshisekedi is currently in Germany for the Munich Security Conference, seeking international support to resolve the conflict, which has left at least 2,900 dead according to UN estimates. The formal AU summit will also involve the election of new leadership for the African Union Commission. With violence persisting for over 30 years, calls for sanctions against Rwanda have been largely ignored by the international community.