South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Botswanan President Duma Boko gather before their meeting on the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo in Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe, on Jan. 31, 2025
|Published 1:50 PM ET, Tuesday February 4, 2025|
ZIMBABWE: In response to the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have scheduled a joint summit on February 7-8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This collaborative effort aims to address the ongoing crisis and foster a unified approach to restoring peace and stability in the region.
The summit will be hosted by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and will include key figures such as DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Other confirmed attendees are President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia. The meeting will commence with a ministerial session on February 7, followed by the heads of state convening on February 8.
This initiative follows a recent declaration by the M23 rebel group of a unilateral ceasefire in areas under its control, citing humanitarian reasons. Despite this, the situation remains dire, with reports of significant civilian casualties and displacement. The international community has expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and is advocating for safe corridors to deliver essential aid to affected populations.
The forthcoming summit represents a critical opportunity for regional leaders to develop a cohesive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges in the eastern DRC. By fostering collaboration between the SADC and EAC, there is potential to implement effective measures that not only cease hostilities but also lay the groundwork for long-term stability and development in the region.
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