Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has declined an invitation from Kenyan President William Ruto for a regional peace summit aimed at addressing the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. Tshisekedi’s decision, announced through state media on Wednesday, comes as the M23 rebel group tightens its grip on Goma, leaving corpses strewn across the city’s streets.
Ruto, as the East African Community (EAC) chair, had invited Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to a virtual summit to discuss the worsening security situation. However, DRC has consistently accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim supported by extensive UN reports but denied by Kigali. Kagame has yet to confirm his participation in the talks but recently expressed support for a ceasefire in a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Goma, a strategic city near the Rwandan border, has seen intense fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, while food and medical supply warehouses have been looted, exacerbating the suffering of residents. Essential services such as electricity, water, and internet have been cut off, deepening the plight of civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
As the situation worsens, protests have erupted in Kinshasa, where demonstrators, frustrated with what they perceive as international inaction, have targeted foreign embassies. At least ten diplomatic missions have been damaged or looted as anger grows over the escalating violence and the rebels’ continued advance.
The rejection of Ruto’s peace initiative signals deepening mistrust between DRC and regional actors, particularly Kenya, which has previously sent peacekeeping troops to the country under the EAC-led military intervention. Tshisekedi’s absence from the talks raises concerns over the prospects of a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, as M23 rebels consolidate their hold on key areas of Goma, including its airport.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether regional and international pressure can de-escalate the situation or if Goma will fall entirely into rebel hands. Meanwhile, civilians remain the biggest casualties, struggling to survive amid mounting violence and growing insecurity.
