African Union, Eastern Blocs Weigh Intervention in Eastern Congo Conflict
Eastern and Southern African countries are considering deploying troops to secure areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo now under M23 rebel control. The regional blocs have called for a ceasefire in the war in the mineral-rich region, which has killed over 7,000 people since January. A document seen by Reuters recommends seeking a mandate from the African Union and the UN to beef up their presence in the region.
- The deployment of troops by regional blocs highlights the growing recognition of the need for concerted action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in eastern Congo.
- Will the international community's renewed focus on the conflict lead to a meaningful resolution, or will external intervention perpetuate the cycle of violence and instability?