East African leaders gathered in Arusha, Tanzania, to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
However, the summit was marred by the absence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and the early departure of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Despite these setbacks, the leaders issued a communique calling for regional and international cooperation to bring peace to the troubled region.
The conflict in eastern Congo has been marked by violence, displacement, and allegations of war crimes, with Rwanda accused of backing the M23 rebel group.
While a July truce has reduced large-scale fighting, sporadic clashes continue between M23 and other armed groups.
The region remains unstable, and the long-term prospects for peace remain uncertain.
The summit’s outcome, while significant, may not be enough to fully address the complex issues at play in eastern Congo.