THE recent capture of Masisi, a strategic eastern town near the provincial capital Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo by the M23 rebel group marks a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
The Tutsi-led M23 group has been waging a renewed insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022. DR Congo and the United Nations accuse neighbouring Rwanda of backing the group with its own troops and weapons.
Rwanda says it has taken what it calls defensive measures. Fighting has flared in recent weeks, leading to territorial gains for M23, which seized Masisi, a town and local administrative centre about 80 km (50 miles) from Goma.
This development not only threatens the lives and livelihoods of Congolese citizens but also jeopardises the economic integration goals of the East African Community (EAC).
The accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 have dangerously heightened tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, threatening to unravel years of fragile regional cooperation.
The EAC, despite its efforts to mediate the conflict, has struggled to effectively contain the M23’s advances.
This failure casts a long shadow over the bloc’s ability to address regional security challenges and maintain a conducive environment for economic growth.
The ongoing conflict diverts precious resources away from critical development sectors. Increased military spending, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of war-torn regions drain government budgets, hindering investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure – the cornerstones of sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, the conflict disrupts trade flows, deters investment and creates an atmosphere of instability that discourages economic activity across the region.
The EAC’s vision of a prosperous and integrated East Africa cannot be realised amidst a climate of fear and insecurity.
We urge member states to prioritise de-escalation efforts and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
This requires a commitment to peaceful resolution, strict adherence to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states and a renewed focus on regional cooperation and integration.
The EAC must demonstrate its capacity to effectively address regional security challenges.
Failing to do so will not only undermine the bloc’s credibility but also jeopardise the economic prosperity and stability of the entire region. The time for decisive action is now.
