GOMA, DRC – President Félix Tshisekedi has declined to participate in a regional summit aimed at de-escalating the crisis in eastern DR Congo as M23 rebels tighten their grip on the strategic city of Goma.
Kenyan President William Ruto, in his role as chair of the East African Community (EAC), had invited Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to a virtual summit on Wednesday.
But DR Congo’s state media reported that Tshisekedi would not attend, without providing a reason for his decision.
The absence of DR Congo’s leader underscores deep regional tensions, particularly as Rwanda is accused of backing M23 rebels—a charge Kigali denies despite extensive evidence cited by the UN.
Kagame has not confirmed his participation in the talks, but on Tuesday, he expressed support for a ceasefire after speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The situation in Goma remains dire. After days of heavy fighting, corpses lay in the streets, hospitals are overwhelmed, and essential services—electricity, water, and internet—remain cut.
Sporadic gunfire was reported on Wednesday, though much of the city was eerily quiet.
With food becoming increasingly scarce, some residents cautiously emerged from hiding to search for supplies.
But humanitarian groups warn that warehouses containing food and medical aid have been looted, exacerbating the crisis.
The mounting frustration over the rebel advance has triggered violent protests in the capital, Kinshasa.
Demonstrators, enraged by what they see as international inaction, have attacked at least 10 foreign embassies, demanding urgent intervention to stop the assault on Goma.
