Tshisekedi attends EAC-SADC summit vitually
The Tanzanian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mr Said Mshana (right), has welcomed the Prime Minister of the DRC, Ms Judith Suminwa (left), who arrived in Tanzania on the morning of 8 February 2025 to participate in the Emergency Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) being held in Dar es Salaam.
What you need to know:
- The discussions are expected to focus on coordinating efforts between the EAC and SADC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC
Dar es Salaam. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi attended the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) joint summit virtually, as regional leaders gathered in Tanzania to discuss the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.
The summit, hosted by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, aimed to address escalating violence in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.
The meeting was convened following an agreement between SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and EAC Chairperson President William Ruto of Kenya.
Among the leaders attending in person were President Ruto, Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The summit was preceded by a ministerial meeting to lay the groundwork for discussions by the heads of state.
The crisis in eastern DRC, exacerbated by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, remains a major concern for regional stability.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies.
The situation has led to the displacement of thousands, with reports of severe human rights violations, including sexual violence, in conflict-affected areas.
While Tshisekedi’s virtual participation was notable, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose country has been implicated in the conflict, attended the summit physically.
The discussions are expected to focus on coordinating efforts between the EAC and SADC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.
The outcome of the summit is anticipated to shape future diplomatic and military strategies in the region, as leaders seek a sustainable resolution to the protracted crisis.
