By Grace Semfuko, Maelezo
Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) convened today, February 7, 2025, in Dar es Salaam to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This meeting is part of the preparations for a summit of the Heads of State from both organizations, set for tomorrow, February 8, 2025.
The primary objective of the meeting is to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Goma, eastern DRC.
The session was co-chaired by two key figures: Veronika Mueni Nduva, the Secretary-General of the East African Community, and Elias Magosi, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
They were joined by co-chairs Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Foreign Minister, and Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Foreign and International Trade Minister.
During the opening session, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, expressed full support for the efforts of EAC and SADC in seeking a peaceful resolution to the DRC crisis.
He also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in hosting the meeting, which aims to benefit the entire region.
“This is a joint meeting of EAC and SADC member countries in preparation for the Heads of State summit tomorrow.
I hope this meeting will be successful, and I would like to thank President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for hosting this crucial event,” said Ambassador Kombo.
Veronika Mueni Nduva, the chair from EAC, emphasized the critical importance of DRC’s security for the stability and development of the broader region.
She expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of EAC and SADC would produce positive outcomes.
"The situation in DRC affects us all. The security of DRC is vital for the growth and well-being of our community and the entire region. I strongly believe that our combined efforts will lead to meaningful and positive results," said Hon. Nduva.
Hon. Elias Magosi, co-chair from SADC, called for urgent and decisive action to restore peace in the DRC. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
"We must take immediate action to bring peace to the DRC. The conflict has already cost countless lives, and women and children continue to suffer.
If this situation persists, it will have dire consequences. I urge all parties involved to stop the violence and come to the negotiating table," said Magosi.
The main goal of the meeting is to find a solution to the crisis, with calls for all parties to lay down their weapons and begin peaceful negotiations.
Tomorrow, February 8, 2025, the Heads of State from both the EAC and SADC will meet in Dar es Salaam to discuss a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
