Uganda is organizing a regional leader summit about the worsening conflict in eastern Congo. A foreign ministry official confirmed the meeting will address the recent advances by the M23 armed group near Uvira and the growing humanitarian emergency. The primary goal is to prevent a wider regional war.
The planned Kampala gathering follows heightened international alarm. American officials at the UN Security Council directly accused Rwanda of strategic control over M23, alleging thousands of Rwandan troops are operating inside Congo with advanced weapons. They warned the conflict could ignite a broader war, citing cross-border strikes into Burundi. The capture of the strategic city Uvira has increased fears of regional spillover, displacing thousands and disrupting trade.
Uganda has historically played a complex role, both hosting talks and deploying troops jointly with Congolese forces. The summit would likely involve leaders from regional blocs to coordinate military, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses. Analysts see the move as a sign of urgent efforts to contain a crisis that risks a major regional confrontation.
The planned Kampala gathering follows heightened international alarm. American officials at the UN Security Council directly accused Rwanda of strategic control over M23, alleging thousands of Rwandan troops are operating inside Congo with advanced weapons. They warned the conflict could ignite a broader war, citing cross-border strikes into Burundi. The capture of the strategic city Uvira has increased fears of regional spillover, displacing thousands and disrupting trade.
Uganda has historically played a complex role, both hosting talks and deploying troops jointly with Congolese forces. The summit would likely involve leaders from regional blocs to coordinate military, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses. Analysts see the move as a sign of urgent efforts to contain a crisis that risks a major regional confrontation.
