Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathered in Dar es Salaam on Thursday to address the worsening security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The summit, co-chaired by Kenya’s President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, brought together heads of state from nine African countries to find a path toward peace.
“The situation in eastern DRC is dire. It has led to a humanitarian crisis that has taken countless lives, and we must act now,” said President Ruto during the opening session. “Our priority is to bring immediate relief to the people suffering and work toward a long-term peaceful resolution.”
The DRC has experienced decades of conflict, with the eastern region, particularly around the city of Goma, remaining a focal point of violence. Goma, located near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda, is strategically important due to its proximity to the mineral-rich areas of North Kivu. In recent years, the M23 rebel group has resurged, exacerbating tensions between the DRC and neighboring countries. The group, originally formed in 2012, has been accused of attempting to destabilize the region to control valuable resources. Despite peace agreements, M23’s ongoing activities, along with other militias, have contributed to displacement and insecurity, and the current crisis has led M23 capturing Goma.
The situation has further been complicated by cross-border tensions, with Rwanda and Uganda accused of supporting various rebel groups, including M23, in pursuit of regional influence and resources. These conflicts have led to violence, civilian suffering, and instability for millions of people.
The joint summit expressed particular concern over the rising attacks on diplomatic missions in the capital, Kinshasa, urging the DRC government to protect foreign embassies and their staff. “We urge the government of the DRC to uphold the principles of peace and security by safeguarding diplomatic missions and ensuring the safety of all international personnel,” Mnangagwa said.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the conflict through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, which have been central to ongoing diplomatic efforts. “We are committed to merging the Luanda and Nairobi processes to create a more unified and effective approach,” President Ruto added.
The summit agreed on a comprehensive action plan, including an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid for displaced populations, and the restoration of essential services in conflict zones. A five-day deadline was set for the chiefs of defense forces from both regional groups to meet and outline a security and humanitarian plan for areas like Goma and Bukavu.
“We cannot allow this crisis to continue unchecked,” said President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, who hosted the summit. “We stand in solidarity with the people of DRC and will continue to support their efforts toward peace.”
The leaders also addressed the issue of foreign armed forces in the DRC, directing the development of a strategy for their withdrawal. “The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected by all parties,” said Mnangagwa.
The summit concluded with a commitment to annual consultations on regional security and reaffirmed unwavering support for the DRC’s pursuit of peace, security, and stability.
