RDC and Rwanda Leaders Meet as Conflict in Eastern Congo Escalates

A regional summit in Tanzania seeks to address a worsening humanitarian crisis and rising tensions, with fears of a broader regional conflict.

The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwandan forces, has captured Goma and is advancing toward Bukavu in the South-Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC).
The conflict has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths since late January, with reports of serious human rights violations, including mass killings and sexual violence, prompting the UN to consider an international investigation.
A summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is bringing together leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to pursue diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
The RDC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 to exploit the region's rich natural resources, while Rwanda claims its actions aim to neutralize armed groups threatening its security.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 500,000 displaced since January, and growing fears of a regional war if the conflict continues to escalate.