African Leaders Hold Historic Summit To Tackle Escalating Congo Crisis

In a landmark move, leaders from Eastern and Southern African regional blocs convened on Saturday for an unprecedented joint summit aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. The crisis, fueled by the rapid advance of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels since January, has sparked fears of a wider regional war.

Last week, the M23 rebels seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in what has become the worst escalation of violence in over a decade, leaving thousands dead. Despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire, the rebels have continued their march south toward Bukavu, further intensifying tensions.

The high-stakes summit took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with several key leaders in attendance, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi participated via video link.

“History will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day,” Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned during the opening ceremony.

The summit underscores Africa’s deepening concern over the conflict and the strained relations between Congo and Rwanda. While Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons, Rwanda denies any involvement. The two regional blocs have largely been divided on the issue—Eastern African nations lean toward Rwanda’s calls for dialogue, while Southern African countries firmly back Congo, angered by the deaths of peacekeepers.

With previous peace efforts in Luanda and Nairobi failing to yield results, leaders are seeking a breakthrough. Foreign ministers from both blocs have recommended urgent measures, including a cessation of hostilities, an unconditional ceasefire, and reopening Goma’s airport and key routes to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.

The humanitarian crisis has worsened as M23 expands its control over North Kivu’s lucrative coltan, gold, and tin mines. Thousands have been displaced, exacerbating what was already one of the world's most dire humanitarian emergencies. Aid groups are struggling to support overwhelmed hospitals, while health workers rush to bury the bodies of at least 2,000 people killed in the battle for Goma, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

The International Criminal Court is closely monitoring the situation, with reports emerging of rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, according to the U.N. human rights office.

Adding to the tension, the United States has warned of potential sanctions against Rwandan and Congolese officials, increasing pressure for a resolution. The conflict’s deep roots trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing struggle for control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.

The M23, a well-trained and heavily armed rebel group, is the latest in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led movements to emerge in eastern Congo. The Congolese government claims it is a Rwandan proxy—an allegation both Rwanda and M23 deny. Meanwhile, Rwanda insists its forces are acting in self-defense against Hutu-led militias allegedly fighting alongside the Congolese military.

As tensions mount, all eyes are on the summit’s outcome, with hopes that African leaders can forge a path toward peace before the crisis spirals further out of control.