East African Summit Advocates for Peace in Eastern Congo Despite Leadership Absences

Efforts to establish peace in eastern Congo faced challenges after a regional summit in Arusha, Tanzania. The meeting of East African Community leaders ended with a call for combined regional and international peace efforts. However, the absence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and the early departure of Rwandan President Paul Kagame cast doubt on the prospects for progress.

Violence has resurfaced in eastern Congo, one of the world's longest-running conflicts. The Congolese government accuses the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of "ethnic cleansing" in mineral-rich areas near Rwanda's border. Rwanda denies these allegations but admitted in February to having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for security reasons, citing a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

Regional Tensions and Accusations

Congo claims that Rwanda is involved in war crimes in its eastern region. US and UN experts also accuse Rwanda of providing military support to M23. Despite Rwanda's denials, UN experts estimate up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are present in Congo. A truce brokered by the United States and Angola in July has reduced fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces, though clashes between M23 and other militias persist.

The summit saw participation from several regional leaders, including Presidents Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, William Ruto of Kenya, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia. Burundi was represented by its vice president. During the summit, William Ruto was elected as the new chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Summit, taking over from Salva Kiir.

Economic Focus Amidst Conflict

Ruto emphasised the importance of enhancing competitiveness, promoting value-added production, and increasing intra-regional trade to create jobs and transform economies. He urged member states to ensure timely disbursement of statutory contributions to sustain the bloc's operations. "Our focus must be on increasing competitiveness, promoting value-added production and boosting intra-regional trade to create jobs and transform our economies," Ruto stated.

The absence of key leaders at the summit highlights ongoing tensions in the region. The call for combined peace initiatives underscores the complexity of achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo. As regional leaders continue their efforts, the situation remains fragile with many challenges ahead.