By The Respondent Reporter, Arusha
Leaders from East and Southern Africa met in an emergency virtual summit on August 13, 2025, to address rising violence and humanitarian crises in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The meeting aimed to coordinate regional diplomacy and consolidate peace efforts under a single, Africa-led framework.
Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the summit, held at the Bank of Tanzania headquarters in Arusha.
The session brought together heads of state and government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), alongside representatives from the African Union Commission.
The summit reviewed progress on mediation initiatives and emphasized the need for unified action.
Analysts say previous efforts by regional blocs have often been fragmented, limiting the effectiveness of negotiations and delaying humanitarian support.
The current approach seeks to streamline these processes, allowing EAC and SADC to act in concert rather than in parallel.
Participants confirmed the appointment of former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi to the Panel of Facilitators for the DRC peace process.
The panel is tasked with engaging armed groups, coordinating regional interventions, and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Experts highlight that having a high-profile African leader in this role can lend credibility to negotiations and encourage broader cooperation among warring factions.
The summit also called for increased funding to support both peace initiatives and humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian agencies warn that millions in eastern DRC face severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care, and delays in financing could exacerbate the crisis.
Leaders stressed that timely resource mobilization is critical to prevent further displacement and suffering.
The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of EAC, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, chair of SADC.
By bringing together regional leaders and African Union representatives, the summit underlined the importance of Africa-led solutions to protracted conflicts, signaling a growing commitment to regional ownership and coordinated action.
Observers say the summit could mark a turning point in stabilizing eastern DRC, demonstrating that regional unity and proactive diplomacy remain central to resolving long-standing African conflicts.