Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Diplomatic tensions flared at the African Union summit as fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated, fueling concerns of a broader regional war. The latest clashes saw the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains, with the capture of Bukavu, the second provincial capital to fall under their control.
The absence of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi from the summit, reportedly due to his need to manage the unfolding crisis, underscored the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended key discussions, as international pressure mounts on his government to rein in the rebel group.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, issued a stern warning, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected,” he said, calling for immediate dialogue and dismissing military action as a solution.
Calls for Intervention Intensify
The African Union has faced criticism for its muted response, with analysts arguing that the organization needs to take a more assertive role in preventing further violence. Despite a regional ceasefire call earlier in February, fresh fighting erupted just days later, exposing the fragility of diplomatic efforts.
In a sign of growing global alarm, the European Union announced that it is considering “urgent measures” in response to the ongoing violations of DRC’s borders. “The integrity of the DRC cannot be compromised without consequences,” an EU statement warned.
Rwanda-DRC Dispute Deepens
While Rwanda denies directly supporting M23, Tshisekedi has accused Kigali of territorial expansionism and exploiting DRC’s mineral wealth. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he urged the international community to formally sanction Rwanda, calling the rebel advances “a blatant act of aggression.”
Burundi has reportedly deployed thousands of troops in support of the Congolese military, further complicating the regional security landscape. On the ground in Bukavu, reports of sporadic gunfire and looting have fueled fear among residents, while across the border in Rwanda, the town of Rusizi remained tense amid distant gunfire.
With tensions at a boiling point, the AU summit has become a focal point for diplomatic maneuvering. Whether regional leaders can defuse the crisis—or whether the conflict will escalate beyond DRC’s borders—remains an open and urgent question.
