– In a significant diplomatic move aimed at de-escalating the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have reinforced their commitment to peace efforts. The second joint EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit, held virtually on March 24, 2025, appointed three additional former presidents to an expanded panel of facilitators tasked with guiding the peace process.
The panel, which now consists of five distinguished former leaders, includes:
✔ Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria)
✔ Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya)
✔ Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa) – New member
✔ Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) – New member
✔ Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic) – New member
The virtual summit was co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto, the current EAC Chairperson, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Chairperson of SADC. The discussions centered on implementing an agreed-upon roadmap for peace, which includes ceasefire measures, cessation of hostilities, and the establishment of a joint secretariat to monitor compliance.
The meeting brought together regional leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who have been at odds over security concerns in the eastern DRC. President Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing concerns about security threats emanating from Congolese territory, particularly the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a militia group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Rwanda remains concerned about our security, and this must be addressed within the broader framework of resolving regional conflicts,” Kagame stated. “When we talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity, this principle must apply to all nations equally.”
He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing historical injustices and political grievances, urging all regional actors to contribute positively to the peace process.
The March 24 summit built upon discussions initiated during the first joint EAC-SADC summit on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Key resolutions from that initial meeting included:
✔ Merging the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single framework
✔ Implementing the agreed-upon plan for neutralizing armed groups, including the FDLR
✔ Prioritizing political dialogue alongside military interventions
The situation in eastern DRC has been further complicated by the activities of the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group engaged in ongoing battles with the Congolese military. Neighboring nations have been urged to support peace efforts by discouraging external interference and facilitating constructive negotiations.
On March 17, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, the EAC-SADC Ministerial Meeting advanced discussions by endorsing a joint roadmap that includes:
✔ Immediate ceasefire measures
✔ A political strategy for reconciliation
✔ Military interventions to stabilize conflict zones
✔ Humanitarian efforts to assist displaced civilians
Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister and SADC Council of Ministers Chairperson, Amon Murwira, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation:
“The decisions we have taken will provide much-needed momentum to our peace efforts. It is upon us as Africans to resolve this conflict and bring stability to our regions.”
Angola Transfers Mediation Role to EAC-SADC
Notably, Angola, which had been facilitating peace efforts through its President João Lourenço, has stepped back from the mediation process. President Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union (AU), has handed over responsibilities to the EAC-SADC leadership to focus on AU matters.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, underscored the importance of direct negotiations:
“The only sustainable solution is for all parties to come to the table and commit to peace. The joint EAC-SADC approach ensures that efforts are coordinated and aligned toward lasting stability.”
Next Steps in the Peace Process
With the appointment of an expanded panel of facilitators and a clear roadmap in place, regional leaders are expected to move forward with diplomatic engagements and military interventions where necessary. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the new measures will lead to a breakthrough in ending the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC.
