JUST -IN: East African and Southern African Leaders Unite for Peace in the DRC: Key Decisions from the EAC-SADC Joint Summit

Regional Leaders Commit to Ceasefire, Humanitarian Aid, and Long-Term Security Solutions in Eastern DRC

In a historic move to address the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025. 

The summit, co-chaired by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, brought together leaders from across Africa to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and to chart a path toward sustainable peace and development.

The Joint Summit, attended by high-profile leaders including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, reaffirmed the regions' solidarity and unwavering commitment to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 

The leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, which has resulted in significant loss of life, a humanitarian crisis, and widespread suffering, particularly among women and children.

The summit resulted in several critical resolutions aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term challenges in the DRC:

Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid: The leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, urging all state and non-state parties, including the M23 rebel group, to halt hostilities. They emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance, including the repatriation of the deceased and the evacuation of the injured. The reopening of essential supply routes, such as the Goma-Sake-Bukavu corridor, and the resumption of operations at Goma Airport were also prioritized to ensure the delivery of food and other essential commodities.

Merging of Luanda and Nairobi Processes: The summit reaffirmed the importance of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and directed that the two be merged into a single, unified framework known as the Luanda/Nairobi Process. This move aims to enhance coordination and complementarity in addressing the conflict in eastern DRC.

Withdrawal of Foreign Forces: The leaders directed the development and implementation of modalities for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC territory, a move seen as crucial for restoring the country's sovereignty.

Joint Ministerial Meeting: A joint meeting of EAC and SADC Ministers is set to convene within 30 days to deliberate on a comprehensive roadmap for peace, including immediate, medium, and long-term measures. The meeting will also address financing modalities and establish a technical coordination mechanism to monitor the implementation of the summit's decisions.

Annual Consultations: The leaders agreed to hold similar consultations at least once a year, or as needed, to review matters of common interest and ensure continued progress toward peace and security in the region.

The Joint Summit extended its gratitude to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the government and people of Tanzania for hosting the event. The leaders also commended the EAC and SADC Secretariats for their preparatory work and the Chairpersons of both organizations for their leadership in steering the region toward lasting peace.

The summit's resolutions underscore the commitment of African leaders to finding African solutions to African problems. By merging the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calling for the withdrawal of foreign forces, the leaders have taken significant steps toward addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. 

The emphasis on humanitarian aid and the reopening of critical supply routes highlights the urgency of addressing the immediate needs of the affected population.

As the region moves forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the collective will and cooperation of all stakeholders. The Joint Summit has set the stage for a renewed push toward peace, security, and development in the DRC and the wider region.

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