The Joint Summit of the Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
The summit aimed to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Leaders Unite for Peace in DRC
The summit was co-chaired by William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Chairperson of the EAC, and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC.
The meeting brought together key regional leaders, including Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of DRC, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of Somalia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and representatives from Angola, Malawi, South Sudan, Burundi, and Madagascar.
The opening session was attended by Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, alongside SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and EAC Secretary General Veronica M. Nduva.
Concern Over Escalating Violence
The summit expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the loss of lives, particularly among women and children.
"The situation requires immediate and coordinated action to ensure lasting peace and security," said William Ruto.
The leaders also condemned recent attacks on diplomatic missions and embassies in Kinshasa, calling on the DRC government to ensure the safety of foreign representatives and respect international diplomatic principles.
Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Support
The summit reaffirmed previous resolutions from EAC and SADC meetings in late January 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for:
- An immediate and unconditional ceasefire
- Restoration of essential utilities and supply lines for food and humanitarian aid
- A peaceful resolution through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes
The summit stressed that political and diplomatic engagement remains the most viable path to sustainable peace in eastern DRC.
Defense Chiefs Given Five Days to Develop Security Plan
The EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces were directed to meet within five days to provide technical guidance on:
- Enforcing a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities
- Coordinating humanitarian assistance, including repatriation of the deceased and evacuation of the injured
- Developing a security plan for Goma and surrounding areas
- Reopening key supply routes, including Goma-Sake-Bukavu and Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo
- Resuming operations at Goma Airport
Strengthening the Peace Process
Recognizing the need for a more coordinated peace effort, the summit resolved to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single initiative.
"We must consolidate our efforts and enhance the peace process to ensure lasting stability," said Cyril Ramaphosa.
The summit also mandated the appointment of additional facilitators, in consultation with the African Union, to support the merged process.
Engagement with All Stakeholders
The leaders directed the resumption of direct negotiations with all state and non-state actors, including the M23 rebel group, under the Luanda-Nairobi framework.
They further called for the implementation of the agreed Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for neutralizing the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and urged Rwanda to withdraw defensive forces from the DRC as per the Luanda agreement.
Next Steps and Continued Commitment
The Joint Summit instructed EAC and SADC ministers to reconvene within 30 days to:
- Review the defense chiefs’ report on the ceasefire
- Establish a technical coordination mechanism to monitor the implementation of summit decisions
- Develop a roadmap for short-term and long-term peace and security measures, including financing options
- Address residual issues hindering sustainable peace in eastern DRC
Additionally, the leaders agreed on the need for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC territory.
Annual Summits for Regional Peace and Security
The summit reaffirmed solidarity with the people of DRC and pledged unwavering support for the country’s sovereignty, peace, and development.
It was also decided that similar joint summits will be held at least once a year or as needed to review security and cooperation in the region.
Appreciation for Tanzania’s Leadership
The summit concluded with leaders expressing gratitude to Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Tanzanian government for hosting the crucial meeting.
"We appreciate Tanzania’s commitment and leadership in fostering regional peace," said Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The summit also acknowledged the efforts of the EAC and SADC Secretariats in preparing for the high-level discussions.
The resolutions reached in Dar es Salaam mark a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in the eastern DRC, with regional leaders committing to continued diplomatic and security efforts to end the conflict.
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