Africa top is looking for solutions for the conflict in the Congo

Africa top is looking for solutions for the conflict in the Congo

The leaderships of regional blocks from the east and south of Africa met on Saturday for an unprecedented summit to find a solution to the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rapid advance of the rebels supported by Rwanda has fueled fears of a more comprehensive war since January

The situation in Goma

The M23 rebels conquered Bukavu Fort.

leaders in Dar es Salaam

President, including Rwanda Paul Kagame, took a seat on the stage at the beginning of the talks in Dar es Salaam. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi was switched on by video.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized at the opening ceremony: "History will judge us hard when we stay still and watch how the situation deteriorates every day."

concern about the conflict

The first summit of the two regional blocks shows the deep concern of the continent about the crisis and the stalemate between the Congo and the neighboring Rwanda, which rejects the allegations that it shook the conflict with its own troops and weapons.

effort for a peace solution

The leaders are looking for a breakthrough after two peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi have stalled while the tensions continue to increase. The Foreign Minister of Blocks have recommended that the conference be requested to advise on an unconditional ceasefire as well as the reopening of the airport in Goma and other important routes for urgently needed humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian crisis and international reactions

In the past month, the lightning-like progress of the M23 expanded their control over the lucrative Coltan, gold and artificial mines of the province of North-Kivu, which led to the expulsion of thousands in one of the worst humanitarian crises.

Aid organizations support overwhelmed hospitals, while healthcare staff against the time to bury the bodies of at least 2,000 people who were killed in the battles for Goma, while concern is growing on the spread of diseases.

monitoring by the International Criminal Court

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have announced that the violence escalation observe . According to reports, there are indications of rapes,

warning of the USA and the role of Rwandas

The United States warned of Possible sanks Congolese civil servants, which increases the pressure to solve a conflict in the long -term consequences of the genocide in Rwanda from 1994 and the fight for the control of mineral resources Congo.

The M23 is well trained and professionally armed and represents the latest in a long series of ethnically tutsi-guided rebel groups that arise in the troubled east of Congo. The Congolese government describes it as a Rwandic vicarious agent, which the rebel group rejects.

Rwanda rejects the allegations that thousands of his troops fight alongside the M23. However, it explains to defend itself against the threat by a Hutu-led militia, which in his opinion fights side with the Congolese army.