African Leaders to Meet in Tanzania Over Congo Crisis.
Kenya's President William Ruto announced Sunday that regional leaders will gather this week to address fighting in eastern Congo.
The two-day summit starts Friday in Dar es Salaam. It brings together presidents from Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Somalia.
"Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns in our continent," Ruto said in a statement.
The meeting follows recent advances by M23 rebels and rising tensions between African nations. The rebels captured the city of Goma and appeared headed toward Bukavu.
Relations between South Africa and Rwanda have soured after South African soldiers died in combat. South Africa demands Rwanda remove its forces from Congo. Rwanda denies involvement but says it stands "ready for confrontation."
The fighting has forced millions to flee their homes and threatened trade routes and investment across central Africa. Kenya has tried to broker peace through earlier talks in Nairobi.
"Peace and security are critical ingredients for trade and investment in our region," Ruto said.
The summit tests Africa's ability to solve conflicts through diplomacy. Leaders from both the Southern African Development Community and East African Community agreed to meet, showing the crisis reaches beyond Congo's borders.
The gathering marks an important step as regional powers attempt to prevent a wider conflict. Multiple foreign forces operating in Congo risk turning local battles into broader fighting.
Kenya's President William Ruto announced Sunday that regional leaders will gather this week to address fighting in eastern Congo.
The two-day summit starts Friday in Dar es Salaam. It brings together presidents from Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Somalia.
"Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns in our continent," Ruto said in a statement.
The meeting follows recent advances by M23 rebels and rising tensions between African nations. The rebels captured the city of Goma and appeared headed toward Bukavu.
Relations between South Africa and Rwanda have soured after South African soldiers died in combat. South Africa demands Rwanda remove its forces from Congo. Rwanda denies involvement but says it stands "ready for confrontation."
The fighting has forced millions to flee their homes and threatened trade routes and investment across central Africa. Kenya has tried to broker peace through earlier talks in Nairobi.
"Peace and security are critical ingredients for trade and investment in our region," Ruto said.
The summit tests Africa's ability to solve conflicts through diplomacy. Leaders from both the Southern African Development Community and East African Community agreed to meet, showing the crisis reaches beyond Congo's borders.
The gathering marks an important step as regional powers attempt to prevent a wider conflict. Multiple foreign forces operating in Congo risk turning local battles into broader fighting.
