Senegal President Macky Sall, chair of the African Union, has called for urgent dialogue between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda as tensions rise over the M23 rebel group's resurgence in eastern DRC.
Sall specifically requested Angolan President João Lourenço, head of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region, to lead peace talks between the two nations. The appeal follows Kinshasa's decision to suspend RwandAir flights to Congo, accusing Rwanda of backing M23 militants conducting military operations near the border.
Rwanda has denied allegations of supporting the rebels, labeling the conflict an internal Congolese issue. The DRC government cited the rebels' advanced weaponry as evidence of external assistance, while Rwanda's military demanded the release of two soldiers it claims were abducted along the border.
"I am seriously concerned by the rising tension between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo," Sall stated on Twitter. "I call for calm and dialogue between the two countries, and for the peaceful resolution of the crisis with the support of regional mechanisms and the African Union."
Fighting in North Kivu province has temporarily halted but remains volatile. DRC forces have reinforced their positions ahead of potential renewed clashes, as regional actors seek to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
