EAC and SADC Leaders Unite to Push for Peaceful Resolution in Eastern DRC
The conflict in Eastern DRC has intensified, with the M23 rebels capturing the strategic city of Goma in January 2025, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The joint EAC-SADC Summit of Heads of States and government. Photo/William Ruto.
In a concerted effort to address the escalating conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a joint summit at State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 7-8, 2025.
The summit underscored the necessity of a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that the protracted conflict, rooted in historical, economic, and political complexities, cannot be settled through military means alone.
The assembly of eight heads of state, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to engage in direct dialogue.
A significant focus was placed on initiating negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which has been active in the region and recently declared a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.
The conflict in Eastern DRC has intensified, with the M23 rebels capturing the strategic city of Goma in January 2025, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The violence has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands, exacerbating the region’s instability.
President William Ruto emphasized the critical importance of dialogue in resolving the crisis, stating, “We firmly believe that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through engagement, constructive dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peace.”
He called upon DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to prioritize peace efforts under the Luanda process and to heed the calls for peace from both the regional and international communities.
The summit also addressed the involvement of foreign forces in the DRC, advocating for their withdrawal to facilitate a peaceful resolution. The leaders highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access to affected populations.
They urged the reopening of Goma’s airport and the establishment of safe corridors for aid delivery to alleviate the suffering of displaced individuals.
The joint EAC-SADC summit represents a unified regional approach to the crisis, combining resources and political will to foster stability in the Eastern DRC.
The collaboration between these regional blocs underscores the recognition that the conflict’s resolution requires a multifaceted strategy, prioritizing dialogue, cooperation, and the protection of civilians.
As the situation develops, the international community closely monitors the outcomes of these regional efforts, hoping for a de-escalation of violence and a sustainable peace in the DRC.
The commitment of the EAC and SADC to jointly push for a peaceful resolution marks a significant step toward addressing the longstanding challenges in the region.
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