DAR ES SALAAM, Feb 8 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, is the centre of diplomatic efforts this weekend as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) hold a historic joint summit to address the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The meeting, scheduled for Saturday, comes amidst growing concerns over the resurgence of violence involving the Movement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group and its devastating impact on regional stability.
The summit brings together Heads of State and representatives from across the EAC and SADC, including DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Their presence underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a unified regional response.
The primary focus will be on finding a sustainable solution to the conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and threatens to destabilise the entire region.
Key agenda items are expected to include securing a lasting ceasefire between the DRC government and M23 rebels and establishing a framework for inclusive political dialogue.
Previous attempts at peace talks have stalled and this summit aims to inject new momentum into the process. Regional security cooperation will also be a critical point of discussion, with leaders exploring ways to strengthen mechanisms to address cross-border threats and prevent further escalation of violence.
Prior to the summit, EAC Secretariat said the discussions of the joint EAC-SADC Ministerial meeting centred on the importance of a unified approach to combatting insecurity, with commitments towards joint efforts of the two blocs in conflict resolution and regional stability.
The ministers said that military action has never resolved conflict, and that diplomacy and negotiation are the only viable paths to peace.
They expressed deep concern about the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, citing statistics that show over 700 deaths and more than 400,000 people displaced.
“No war has ever been resolved through fighting, the right way to a solution is dialogue,” said Professor Amon Murwira, Chair of the SADC Council of Ministers.
He added, “A peaceful DRC will come from our strength, we will use all efforts to restore peace.”
The ministers called on the international community to intervene and ensure that all parties adhere to international agreements and stressed the importance of regional security for the development of the entire region and expressed hope that dialogue would lead to a lasting solution.
“The ongoing war in the DRC is causing chaos and other harm, including undermining the economy and harming women and children who are suffering,” said Musalia Mudavadi who chairs the EAC Foreign Ministers caucus, co-chairing meeting with Prof Aron Murwira, the SADC Council of Ministers Chairperson.
Mudavadi said the war must be stopped and give way to dialogue. The EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva and the SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, both insisted on the unified goal of achieving peace in the DRC.
They acknowledged the long-standing nature of the conflict and stressed the importance of this joint effort to find a lasting solution. Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Kombo, reiterated the ongoing joint efforts to find a resolution to the DRC conflict.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with fighting continuing between the M23 rebels and DRC forces. The rebels claim to have captured several towns, causing further displacement and suffering. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
