In a bold move to restore stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), regional leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have decided to neutralise destabilising forces and facilitate direct talks among all warring parties.
They convened a Joint EAC-SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 8 February 2025 where they also agreed on steps to restore security, peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
To achieve this, the joint summit called for the immediate implementation of the Concept of Operations (CANOPS), a harmonised security strategy aimed at neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and securing the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC, as agreed under the Luanda Process.
The summit brought together Heads of State and Government from both regional blocs to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. The leaders stressed the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to restoring peace and stability in the region.
According to the statement released after the joint summit, the summit also resolved to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single, consolidated framework. This new Luanda/Nairobi Process seeks to facilitate direct negotiations with all state and non-state actors, including the M23 rebel group, while enhancing coordination between peace envoys and regional military forces.
“The Joint Summit directed the resumption of direct negotiations and dialogue with all state and non-state parties (military and non-military) including the M23 and under the framework of the Luanda/Nairobi process.”
The Leaders emphasised that a unified diplomatic channel is crucial to tackling the complex security, humanitarian, and governance challenges facing the region.
“The Joint Summit further resolved to strengthen the two processes to enhance complementarity and mandated the co-chairs, in consultation with the African Union, to consider and appoint additional facilitators, including from other regions of Africa to support the merged process.”
Co-chaired by Dr William Ruto, President of Kenya and EAC Chairperson, and Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and SADC Chairperson, the summit drew participation from heads of state across Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, the DRC, South Africa, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and representatives from Burundi, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan, and Madagascar.
In addition, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, the EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva, and the SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi were also present.
The leaders noted the need for enhanced intelligence sharing between the EAC and SADC forces, a targeted approach to dismantle rebel networks, and the careful protection of civilians during military operations.
The summit reaffirmed the DRC’s territorial integrity, demanding the withdrawal of all uninvited foreign forces, particularly Rwandan troops, in line with prior Luanda Process agreements.
Given the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, the summit instructed the Joint Chiefs of Defence Forces to convene within five days to develop technical measures on enforcing a ceasefire, protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, and reopening critical infrastructure such as Goma Airport and key supply routes.
Looking ahead, ministers from the EAC and SADC are expected to meet within 30 days to assess progress and issue further directives on peacekeeping efforts. The two blocs are also expected to hold annual consultations to reinforce regional security cooperation.
“The Joint Summit decided that similar consultations shall be convened at least once every year and as and when need arises to review matters of common interest to the two regions.”
The DRC government was also urged to enhance diplomatic protection measures following recent attacks on foreign embassies and missions in Kinshasa.
The summit extended its gratitude to the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the meeting and commended the leadership of both the EAC and SADC for their roles in fostering regional unity.
