By Aldridge Dzvene
In a decisive show of regional solidarity, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) will convene virtually this Wednesday to advance the peace process in the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, chaired by SADC Chairperson, His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, and EAC Chairperson President William Ruto, follows their recent high-level engagement in Nairobi, a summit that placed the DRC crisis firmly at the heart of Africa’s security priorities.
In Nairobi, the two leaders rallied their blocs around a clear and urgent message: silencing the guns in the DRC demands the full engagement of every actor involved in the conflict. This commitment marked a shift away from fragmented approaches towards a unified, multi-track strategy blending political, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts from both regions.
The peace drive is anchored by a formidable panel of facilitators, respected African statesmen and stateswomen with deep experience in conflict resolution. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Botswana President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi have been tasked with building trust, brokering dialogue, and designing a sustainable roadmap to stability.
For His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, this initiative reflects his broader vision as SADC Chair, safeguarding regional stability and advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of “silencing the guns” while protecting economic growth and humanitarian security. For President Ruto, it represents the EAC’s determination to ensure that one of its member states can trade, develop, and prosper free from the shadow of war.
The virtual meeting this week is expected to refine the strategy agreed in Nairobi, set concrete timelines for negotiations, and secure commitments from all stakeholders. Though challenges persist, from deep-seated mistrust among armed groups to a volatile security environment, the united SADC–EAC approach sends a strong signal: the DRC’s peace will no longer be left to piecemeal solutions.
This is not just diplomacy; it is Africa taking charge of its own destiny. As His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and President Ruto prepare to lead this next decisive session, the message to the people of the DRC is resolute, the region will stand with them, and fight for their peace with the same determination once used to fight for its freedom.
