East African leaders have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urged the Kinshasa government to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group, to resolve the escalating conflict.

This resolution was reached during a special virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC), hosted by Kenya and attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame but saw the absence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

The 24th EAC leaders’ summit expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Congolese city of Goma, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

"The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities and observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population," the leaders stated in their communiqué.

Tshisekedi traveled to Angola for talks with his counterpart, Joao Lourenco, as EAC heads of state convened virtually to address the security crisis in Goma.

The summit condemned attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, urging the Congolese government to ensure the protection of embassies, diplomatic staff, and property.

Recognizing the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing the crisis, the EAC heads of state agreed to hold a joint summit with SADC leaders in the coming days.

Congolese President vows firm response to M23 rebels

Tshisekedi announced a firm military response to the armed attacks by M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing the group and condemning the international and African communities for their silence over escalating border tensions.  

"The east of our country is facing an unprecedented worsening of the security situation. The Rwandan defense forces, in support of their M23 puppets, are continuing their terrorist acts by sowing terror and desolation among our populations," he said in a televised address to the nation late Wednesday evening.

At least 25 people were killed in Goma, nine in Rwanda, and hundreds were injured in the fighting.

This week's clashes also resulted in the deaths of 17 peacekeepers, including 13 South Africans, three Malawians, and another whose nationality has not been confirmed.  

Tshisekedi affirmed that "a rigorous and coordinated response against these terrorists and their sponsors is underway," emphasizing that the Congolese army is "fully mobilized to defend every inch of Congo’s territory."  

He accused Rwanda of openly and flagrantly violating the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and regional agreements.  

"However, these actions are taking place with total impunity and with a clear disregard for international rules and the values that these institutions are supposed to defend," the Congolese President added, referring to the international community and the African Union.

He accused neighboring Rwanda of "showing unacceptable provocation towards Congolese sovereignty and sub-regional stability."

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According to Tshisekedi, these "barbaric acts" are an affront to Congo's sovereignty and an insult to the history and dignity of its people.  

He further criticized "the silence and inaction" of the UN and the African Union "in the face of the barbarity of Kigali and the atrocities committed by its auxiliaries in the Congo."

"This passivity borders on complicity," Tshisekedi stressed.  

While stating that he remains open to dialogue, Tshisekedi asserted his readiness to defend the country by all means necessary.  

The Congolese President called on the population to mobilize, resist, and demonstrate resilience in the face of the current crisis.  

He also instructed the government to implement an emergency humanitarian plan for those displaced by the conflict.

European mercenaries to be deported via Rwanda

Nearly 300 European mercenaries who were reportedly fighting in the DRC are set to be deported to their countries through neighboring Rwanda.

The group, consisting of 280 individuals—mostly from Romania—secured safe passage after their governments requested Rwanda’s assistance in facilitating their evacuation through Kigali, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe announced on the social media platform X.

Meanwhile, Kagame accused South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, of distorting their recent discussions on the conflict in eastern Congo.

"What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies," Kagame stated.

He also rejected the presence of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), arguing that it is not a peacekeeping force but rather a "belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC government fight against its own people."

South Africa warns of a full-blown war

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed concern that if the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo is not addressed, the situation could escalate into a full-scale regional war.

Lamola emphasized the need for tripartite engagement involving institutions such as the African Union (AU), SADC, and the EAC to mediate the crisis, reach a ceasefire, and work toward a long-term solution.

The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels claimed control of Goma on Monday. However, residents reported that the strategic city appears to remain contested between the rebels and government forces.

President Kagame has consistently denied allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has claimed that Rwandan troops are present in Goma and has vowed to secure the city.

It remains unclear who holds full control over the critical border city with Rwanda.

The M23 group argues that its fight stems from grievances over alleged discrimination against Tutsi communities in the region. The rebels claim that the Congolese government has failed to address their concerns, particularly regarding their safety and integration into the national military.

The Kinshasa government, however, accuses the M23 of destabilizing the region with external support, primarily from Rwanda.

The latest crisis has displaced thousands of people, many of whom have fled to Rwanda, including staff from international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.