African leaders have gathered in Tanzania's city of Dar es Salaam in efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Leaders of Eastern and Southern African regional blocs have met in Dar er Salaam, Tanzania, for a joint summit to find a solution to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Last week, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured Goma, the largest city in the DRC. This has been the worst escalation of fighting in the region in more than a decade, leaving thousands dead.

Rwanda has denied accusations that thousands of its troops are fighting alongside the M23 despite the United Nations claiming to have evidence.

Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, warns that an escalation of violence will pose a threat to bordering counties.

Despite the M23 rebels announcing a unilateral ceasefire, they have continued to march south in a rapid offensive raising fears of a regional conflagration.

The Dar es Salaam summit will seek a breakthrough after two peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi have stalled as tensions escalate.

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