Arusha, Tanzania – A recent closed-door meeting of the East African Community (EAC) concluded with a call for a combined regional and broader peace initiative to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The region has seen a resurgence of violence, with the Congolese government accusing the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of carrying out ethnic cleansing in mineral-rich areas near the Rwandan border.   

The summit was notable for the absence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and the early departure of Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Congo has accused Rwanda of war crimes in the east, a claim that Rwanda denies. However, U.S. and U.N. experts have implicated Rwanda in providing military support to the M23.   

A July truce brokered by the U.S. and Angola has reduced direct clashes between Rwandan and Congolese forces. Nevertheless, fighting between M23 and other militias continues to plague the region.   

During the summit, Kenyan President William Ruto was elected as the new chairperson of the EAC. In his acceptance speech, Ruto emphasized the need to boost intra-regional trade, create jobs, and transform the bloc's economies. He also urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations to the EAC.   

As the East African leaders grapple with the complex challenges facing the region, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on the situation in eastern Congo, hoping for a lasting peace solution.

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