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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24830, member: 2262"] Regional leaders have intensified pressure on M23 rebels to reopen Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo after its reported capture last week, amid growing concerns over humanitarian access. The rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan troops, seized control of the facility during intense fighting in North Kivu province's capital. A joint ministerial meeting between the East African Community and Southern Africa Development Community, held in Tanzania, emphasized the urgent need to restore access to the airport and major supply routes. The closure has severely impacted the delivery of essential aid to approximately two million people requiring food, water, and medical assistance. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Zimbabwe's Amon Murwira co-chaired the meeting, which addressed the mounting humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate hundreds of casualties and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents from their homes due to the ongoing conflict. The ministerial assembly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with oversight from Chiefs of Defence Forces representing both state and non-state parties from the two regional blocs. The ministers endorsed the development of a comprehensive security plan for Goma and surrounding areas, including provisions for the immediate repatriation of those killed in the conflict. The gathering emphasized the importance of reviving the Nairobi process and strengthening coordination with the Lunda process, both of which aim to resolve the regional conflict. Within five days, a joint meeting of EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces will convene to guide ceasefire negotiations and facilitate interventions. The ministers approved the formation of a joint EAC-SADC political and security technical team to oversee the implementation of decisions from the joint meetings. They emphasized the central role of political dialogue in addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict. Within 30 days, a comprehensive implementation roadmap, including financing details, will be presented to the joint ministerial meeting for review and approval. [/QUOTE]

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