The East African Heads of State under the chairmanship of President William Ruto have called for a cessation of hostilities and protection of diplomatic missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The call followed a virtual meeting convened by President Ruto, over the conflict.
The leaders urged the conflicting parties to facilitate access to humanitarian support for the affected people.
“The summit also expressed concern about the expanding crisis manifesting in attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies and staff based in Kinshasa. Accordingly, the summit urged the government of DRC to protect diplomatic missions, lives and property,” a communique from the summit reads in part.
“All parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi did not attend the summit.
The EAC heads of state further noted that President Ruto will engage the chairperson of the South African Development Community (SADC) for a joint summit to discuss the way forward.
This is a result of their forces being involved in efforts to stabilise the DRC.
The leaders further urged President Felix Tshisekedi to engage the M23 and all other armed groups, as well as all other critical stakeholders to arrive at a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“The summit called for peaceful settlement of the conflicts; and strongly urged the government of the DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances.”
Since the beginning of the week, clashes between M23 rebels and the army and its allies left hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and bodies on the streets, according to the UN.
Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group, which has taken over much of the city of Goma, including its airport following heavy fighting.
There are growing international calls for peace talks to end the escalation of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
