Regional Leaders Meet to Address Conflict in Eastern DRC

The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, joined his counterparts to attend the joint summit of Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) over the weekend.

The purpose of the joint meeting was to explore possible solutions for achieving peace and stability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently experiencing armed conflict.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the EAC and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Samoei Ruto; the Chairman of SADC and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa; and their host, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Also in attendance were H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; H.E. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; and H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.

Additionally, H.E. Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca, the Prime Minister, represented H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. H.E. Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations, represented H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola. Honourable Nancy Gladys Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.

Honourable Deng Alor Kuol, Minister of East African Community Affairs, represented H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, while Honourable Lieutenant General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo, Minister of the Armed Forces, represented H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar.

The opening session of the joint summit was also attended by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

In her welcoming remarks, President Samia emphasized that dialogue is the best approach to achieving lasting peace and security in the DRC. She stressed that all parties should engage in peace talks and mediation to find viable solutions to the ongoing conflict.

“This meeting provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness and commitment to seeking peace and security for our brothers and neighbors in the DRC. I hope that, through our unity, we will carry out this duty with the highest level of integrity,” said President Samia.

Speaking at the meeting, EAC Chairman and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to take positive steps toward meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring stability.

“We stand together to call on all parties to actualize the ceasefire; and specifically, on the M23 to halt further advancements, and the armed forces of the DRC to cease all retaliatory measures. An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he stated.

For his part, SADC Chairperson and President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive strategy to resolve the long-standing conflict in the DRC, noting that its effects extend beyond the country and impact the entire EAC and SADC regions.

The Heads of State later held a closed-door session and issued a joint communique. Among other resolutions, they mandated the Chiefs of Defence Forces from the EAC and SADC to convene within five days. Their primary objectives will be to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and devise a security plan for Goma and surrounding areas. Additionally, they will address the reopening of key supply routes, including Goma Airport, and recommend further necessary interventions to stabilize the region.