soohoydeDar es Salaam, Tanzania – Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an emergency summit in Dar es Salaam to address the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting was chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, focusing on urgent measures to end the ongoing violence in eastern DRC.
In a joint communiqué, the leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all warring factions to halt hostilities. They also instructed EAC and SADC defense chiefs to meet within five days to formulate a security plan for Goma and reopen key transportation routes.
Key Resolutions from the Summit:
Regional leaders also underscored the importance of political dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to the Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives. Foreign ministers from EAC and SADC have been tasked with reviewing the implementation of the summit’s resolutions within 30 days.
Background on the M23 Rebellion:
The M23 rebellion traces its origins to a 2009 peace agreement between the DRC government and the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP). In 2012, former CNDP soldiers mutinied, citing the government's failure to implement the agreement, leading to the formation of the M23 rebel group. The group is primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis and has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda.
International Involvement and Peacekeeping Efforts:
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in the region. Established in 2010, MONUSCO's mandate includes protecting civilians and supporting the stabilization and peace consolidation efforts in the DRC.
Economic and Humanitarian Impact:
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the region's economy and humanitarian situation. Over 400,000 people have been displaced since January 2025, and key infrastructure, including roads and the Goma International Airport, has been disrupted, hindering aid delivery and economic activities.
Challenges and Next Steps:
Implementing the ceasefire faces several challenges, including ensuring compliance from all rebel factions and addressing the underlying issues that fuel the conflict. The international community, including the United Nations and regional bodies, will need to support diplomatic efforts and provide humanitarian assistance to stabilize the region.
The leaders at the summit emphasized the urgency of these measures to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace and stability in the DRC.
