Dar es Salaam,
The Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Dar es Salaam on 8th February 2025, to address the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Co-chaired by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chairperson of the EAC, and His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC, the summit brought together notable leaders from both regional bodies.
Among the leaders was H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the DRC, H.E. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, President of Somalia, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia and H.E. Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca, Prime Minister of Burundi.
The opening session was graced by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, along with the Executive Secretary of SADC, H.E. Mr. Elias Magosi, and the Secretary General of the EAC, H.E. Veronica M. Nduva.
The Joint Summit was a crucial follow-up to previous EAC and SADC Summits held in January 2025, and it underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating conflict in Eastern DRC. Leaders expressed profound concern over the loss of lives, the humanitarian crisis, and the suffering of civilians, particularly women and children. Condolences were extended to the victims of recent attacks, and a call for a swift recovery for the injured was made.
Highlighting the severe impact of the conflict, the Joint Summit addressed attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff in Kinshasa, urging the DRC government to protect lives and property while upholding peace missions.
The summit made Key resolutions from that included: An immediate cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire, Strengthened efforts to safeguard humanitarian principles and protect vulnerable populations, Enhanced cooperation among EAC and SADC member states to support peace initiatives, As the DRC continues to grapple with instability, the Joint Summit stands as a significant effort towards fostering peace and security in the region.
The summit concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to bring lasting peace to the DRC.
