The Congolese government has backtracked on a move to tax goods coming from areas controlled by the M23 rebel group, following an overnight public outcry. The Congolese General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) of North Kivu said on Wednesday that it had reversed the decision,

The EAC and SADC are under growing pressure to translate diplomatic engagements into concrete action to prevent further destabilization in the region

Zambia and Tanzania on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Expressing concern over the worsening security situation in eastern Congo, the two nations emphasized the need for dialogue among stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.