The second joint virtual Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government focused on the urgent security and humanitarian challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, praised the continued peace efforts by both regional organizations but expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of peace agreements, particularly in the conflict-stricken Eastern DRC. He called for more swift and decisive actions to address the escalating crisis.
EAC Chairperson, President William Ruto, reaffirmed the EAC’s concern about the deteriorating situation in the DRC and stressed the importance of collaborative action between the two organizations. He also commended Presidents Kagame of Rwanda and Tshisekedi of DRC for their productive discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.
The summit, which followed the March 17 SADC-EAC Ministerial meeting, is expected to pave the way for more detailed discussions on how to effectively resolve the ongoing conflict and bring lasting peace to Eastern DRC.
