By Ollus Ndomu
The East African Community (EAC) will hold an extraordinary summit on Tuesday to address escalating tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The meeting, announced by EAC Chairperson Kenyan President William Ruto, will bring together Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame amid growing regional unrest.
This development follows the M23 rebels’ capture of Goma, with reports confirming Rwandan soldiers disarmed Congolese forces during the takeover. Kigali has been accused of backing the M23, a claim Rwanda denies, though UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently urged Rwanda to cease its alleged support.
President Tshisekedi is seeking parliamentary approval to declare full-scale war against Rwanda, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict. The extraordinary summit aims to de-escalate tensions and find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis.
The situation remains volatile as regional and international stakeholders closely monitor the conflict’s developments, which have displaced thousands and destabilized eastern Congo.
