The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi has declined to participate in regionally brokered talks aimed at ending the rebel assault on the eastern city of Goma, according to state media reports.
The talks, initiated by Kenyan leader William Ruto, were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, with Rwandan President Paul Kagame also invited.
The M23 rebel group, backed by neighboring Rwanda, has taken control of much of Goma, including its airport.
The city has witnessed heavy fighting, leaving corpses on the streets and forcing residents to flee.
The UN has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, despite Rwanda’s denial of direct military involvement.
In a recent development, about 280 Romanian mercenaries fighting on behalf of the DRC’s army surrendered to the M23 rebels.
Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, confirmed that Rwanda would participate in the summit, but did not specify whether Kagame would attend.
As the situation in Goma remains tense, residents are struggling to access basic necessities like food.
The city experienced sporadic gunfire on Wednesday, with some districts reporting relative calm.
The international community, including the UN, has urged for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis.
