Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a Joint Summit on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam to deliberate on the security crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, underscored the urgent need for sustainable peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
The summit was co-chaired by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Chairperson of the EAC, alongside His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC.
It was attended by several regional leaders, including Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania.
During the summit, leaders expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, which has resulted in significant loss of life and an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing hostilities have particularly affected women and children, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of safety.
In addition, diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff based in Kinshasa have come under attack, further exacerbating regional instability.
The summit also acknowledged the sacrifices made by peacekeeping forces, such as MONUSCO and the EAC Regional Force, in their efforts to restore peace and order.
However, the leaders stressed the need for a more coordinated and robust response to address the crisis comprehensively.
The summit reaffirmed the critical role of diplomatic engagements, urging the DRC government to uphold international legal and moral principles, particularly regarding the safety of diplomatic premises. The leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing that a peaceful resolution remains the only viable solution to the crisis.
In a decisive move, the summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to convene within five days and provide strategic recommendations on the immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian assistance including repatriation of deceased individuals and evacuation of the injured, and the development of a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas.
Additionally, the summit called for the reopening of critical supply routes such as Goma-Sake-Bukavu and Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Kalengera-Rutshuru-Bunagana, the immediate reopening of Goma Airport to facilitate aid delivery, and other necessary interventions to stabilize the region.
The summit reviewed the outcomes of previous EAC and SADC summits held on January 29 and 31, 2025, and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue.
The leaders recognized that both the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes have played significant roles in peacebuilding efforts.
To enhance efficiency, the summit resolved to merge the two frameworks into a single, unified Luanda/Nairobi Process.
The co-chairs, in consultation with the African Union, were tasked with implementing this integration to streamline efforts toward lasting peace in Eastern DRC.
The leaders reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement remains the most sustainable approach to resolving the conflict.
Acknowledging the worsening humanitarian crisis, the summit urged immediate restoration of essential utilities, food supplies, and other basic necessities to support affected populations.
The need for safe corridors for humanitarian assistance was also emphasized, ensuring relief efforts reach vulnerable communities without obstruction.
Moreover, the summit highlighted the urgency of reinforcing regional security mechanisms to prevent further escalation.
This includes bolstering joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives for security forces operating in Eastern DRC.
As the Joint Summit concluded, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace, security, and stability in the region.
They vowed to continue supporting the people of DRC in their quest for lasting peace while working collaboratively through regional and international frameworks.
With diplomatic momentum now in place, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the success of the resolutions agreed upon in Dar es Salaam.
The international community will be closely watching as the EAC and SADC take coordinated steps to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Eastern DRC.
