EAC-SADC Summit calls for immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC

Dar es Salaam. Regional leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In their communique, delivered after the EAC-SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025, the leaders noted with concern the escalating security crisis in the region.

The summit, convened following separate meetings by both regional blocs in late January, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, which has led to significant loss of life, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and untold suffering, particularly among women and children.

In a strongly worded communique, the Joint Summit demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, restoration of essential services, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to affected communities.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis through diplomatic and political engagement under the frameworks of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces to meet within five days to devise technical measures for enforcing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

“The Joint Summit directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces to meet within five (5) days and provide technical direction on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities; provision of humanitarian assistance including repatriation of the deceased and evacuation of the injured; Develop a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas…” the Communique reads in part.

Within the meeting, the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces are also expected to come up with an elaborate roadmap detailing immediate, medium and long-term implementation measures, including financing modalities.

They are also expected to address all other residual issues relating to the attainment of sustainable peace and security in eastern DRC and make appropriate recommendations to the next Joint meeting of the EAC-SADC Summit.

“The Joint Summit directed that modalities for withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the territory of the DRC be developed and implemented,” the Communique reads in part.

The summit reaffirmed solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as sustainable peace, security and development and ways of providing humanitarian assistance, securing key supply routes, reopening Goma Airport and developing a security plan for Goma and its surrounding areas.

“Furthermore, the summit condemned recent attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff in Kinshasa and called on the DRC government to ensure the protection of lives and property, in accordance with international norms,” the statement reads.

Roadmap for lasting peace

The summit underscored the importance of a structured roadmap to ensure sustainable peace in eastern DRC.

To this end, EAC and SADC ministers were directed to convene within thirty days to assess progress on the ceasefire and security measures, establish a technical coordination mechanism and develop financing strategies for long-term peace efforts.

Additionally, the leaders resolved to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives into a single framework, strengthening facilitation efforts with the support of the African Union.

Direct negotiations and dialogue with all state and non-state actors, including M23 rebels, were also emphasised as crucial to achieving a lasting resolution.

Foreign troop withdrawal

The Joint Summit reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC territory, with leaders emphasising respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A structured process for this withdrawal will be developed as part of the broader peace efforts.

The leaders also resolved to hold similar consultations at least once a year, or as needed, to review the implementation of peace initiatives.

Hosted by Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the summit was attended by the EAC Chairman and Kenyan President William Ruto and his SADC and Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Also present were South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi, who participated virtually.

Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema were also in attendance.

Other officials included Burundi’s Prime Minister, Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca; Angola’s Minister for External Relations, Tete Antonio; Malawi’s Foreign Relations Minister, Nancy Tembo; South Sudan’s Minister for East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol; Madagascar’s Minister for Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Lala Sahivelo; Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat; SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi; and EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva.

The outcomes of the summit mark a renewed regional effort to bring stability to eastern DRC, as leaders push for concrete actions to prevent further bloodshed and suffering in the war-torn region.