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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23970, member: 2262"] DRC President Skips EAC Crisis Talks Amid Rising Tensions. President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) did not attend an East African Community (EAC) meeting on Wednesday. Kenyan President William Ruto called the meeting to discuss violence in eastern DRC. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has taken over key areas in eastern DRC, including parts of Goma. Bodies were left in the streets of Goma as heavy fighting continued. President Ruto invited Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to a virtual summit. Tshisekedi has refused to join EAC peace efforts due to poor relations with Rwanda and Kenya. He says President Ruto sides with Rwanda and has weakened the Nairobi Peace Process. Rwanda denies any role in the conflict despite accusations of supporting M23. The meeting included leaders from Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, and South Sudan. President Ruto stressed the need for dialogue to achieve peace in eastern DRC. He said military action would not solve the problem. However, Kinshasa will not negotiate with M23, calling them terrorists. This likely led to Tshisekedi skipping the EAC talks. Tensions rose during the discussions. Kagame accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of acting as a mediator while his troops fought in eastern DRC. Kagame also accused Burundian forces of ethnic cleansing in the region. The divide between regional leaders has grown, raising questions about the success of EAC peace efforts. Tshisekedi won't engage, Kagame directly challenged Ramaphosa and Burundi's president, and Ruto calls for dialogue. The situation in Goma is getting worse. Regional diplomacy may be the only way to prevent the conflict from escalating further. [/QUOTE]

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