EAC and SADC Push for Peace in DRC Conflict

Regional leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have joined forces in an effort to end the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Their latest summit, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, saw leaders from both blocs outline a new approach to restoring stability in a region that has endured decades of violence.

The summit resulted in a series of resolutions, including an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid for displaced civilians, and a plan to unify existing peace initiatives under a single framework. However, given the complex nature of the conflict, many observers remain cautious about the effectiveness of these measures.

During the discussions, leaders stressed the urgency of halting ongoing clashes, particularly those involving the M23 rebel group and other militias. A key decision was the merging of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single mechanism aimed at addressing both the immediate violence and the deeper political and economic factors fueling the unrest.

The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC was also a central focus. With millions displaced by conflict, the leaders called for the swift reopening of critical supply routes to ensure that food, medicine, and other essential supplies reach affected communities. In addition, they emphasized the need for international support to assist those caught in the crisis.

Another crucial resolution was the demand for the withdrawal of all foreign troops operating on Congolese soil without official authorization. The presence of these forces has been a long-standing issue, with allegations of external interference exacerbating tensions in the region.

While the summit’s resolutions have been widely welcomed, their success will depend on how effectively they are implemented. Many similar initiatives have failed in the past due to a lack of commitment from key stakeholders, both within the DRC and among regional players.

Political analyst Thobias Kambale cautioned that enforcing a ceasefire in such a fragmented conflict would be difficult. “There have been many calls for peace before, but getting all armed groups to comply is a major challenge.

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Without a strong enforcement mechanism, this could end up being another well-meaning but ineffective agreement,” he said.

Another concern is the upcoming withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. As the mission gradually pulls out, there are fears that the security vacuum could allow armed groups to expand their influence, further complicating peace efforts.

Despite the uncertainties, the joint effort by EAC and SADC is seen as a step in the right direction. By bringing together regional leaders, the summit highlighted a growing recognition that the DRC crisis requires a coordinated response rather than fragmented interventions.

The next crucial step will be a follow-up meeting within the next 30 days, where EAC and SADC ministers are expected to outline a concrete plan for implementing the resolutions. Leaders have also committed to holding regular reviews to track progress and make necessary adjustments.