HARARE, Zimbabwe
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) backed the independence, sovereignty and territorial sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday amid an offensive by the M23 rebel group.
The regional bloc also urged the immediate dispatch of ministers and defense chiefs to ensure the SADC peace mission in Congo (SAMIDRC), that troops are safe and to facilitate that immediate repatriation of dead and injured troops.
Zimbabwe hosted the SADC summit Friday as M23 rebels claim control over Goma, the capital of North Kivi province, which borders Rwanda.
It also called for a joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC) bloc to deliberate the conflict in eastern Congo.
The EAC held a separate virtual summit Wednesday and demanded that Kinshasa directly engage with the M23.
The rebel group launched a major offensive last week in Goma, home to around 3 million people.
Kinshasa accused Rwanda of sending troops to support the rebels. Rwanda denied the accusation, but regional leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire, as dozens have died with hundreds injured.
Uganda has also been accused of backing the rebels, a claim it rejects.
Reports by Unite Nations claimed nearly 700 deaths in the past week.
Thousands have been displaced, many fleeing to Rwanda, including staff from international organizations like the UN and World Bank.
Rwanda said nine of its citizens died in alleged cross-border fire from Goma. At least 17, including 16 from SAMIDRC, peacekeepers have also been killed since last week.
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