In a historic move to address the escalating crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 8 February 2025.
This summit, co-chaired by President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, marked a critical moment in the region’s efforts to bring lasting peace to the DRC.
The summit’s primary focus was the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a growing humanitarian crisis. Leaders of the EAC and SADC expressed deep concern over the attacks on civilians, the destruction of infrastructure, and the targeted violence against diplomatic missions in Kinshasa.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, while addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The summit was a testament to the power of regional cooperation, with both organizations demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The leaders discussed the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the immediate reopening of vital supply routes, including key transportation corridors like the Goma-Sake-Bukavu and Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo routes. These measures are seen as critical to easing the humanitarian situation and ensuring that essential food and supplies reach those in need.
A pivotal moment of the summit was the decision to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, creating a unified framework that promises greater diplomatic coherence and a stronger push for peace. The heads of state directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five days to provide technical direction on ceasefire implementation, humanitarian assistance, and the development of a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas.
What stands out from this summit is the clear message of solidarity and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stand by the DRC, with President Ruto and President Mnangagwa leading efforts to ensure that peace and security are restored not just for the country, but for the entire region. The African Union’s involvement, with Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat attending the opening session, further strengthened the summit’s legitimacy and the region’s collective will.
Additionally, the summit called for the resumption of direct negotiations with both state and non-state actors, including the M23 group, within the framework of the newly strengthened peace processes. This dialogue-focused approach highlights the importance of political solutions, alongside military and humanitarian interventions, as the pathway to lasting peace.
The Joint Summit’s decisions extend beyond the immediate crisis. The summit called for a Joint Ministerial Meeting within 30 days to assess the progress made and to devise a roadmap for sustainable peace, including financing strategies for the long-term reconstruction of Eastern DRC. The proposal to meet annually to review matters of common interest to the two regional blocs reflects a commitment to ongoing cooperation and monitoring, ensuring that the peace process remains on track.
In a strong demonstration of leadership, the summit leaders expressed appreciation for the Government and People of Tanzania for hosting the summit and for the EAC and SADC secretariats for their organizational support. These acknowledgments underscore the importance of collaboration, both within the regions and with international partners, in addressing complex security challenges.
The 8 February EAC-SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure lasting peace and stability in Eastern DRC, and the wider region.
