Leaders Urged to Collaborate on DRC Crisis

President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe called on his fellow regional leaders to approach the growing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with openness, honesty, and a genuine commitment to long-term peace.

As Chairperson of SADC, President Mnangagwa addressed the heads of state gathered at the summit, urging them to unite and actively work toward resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.

In his speech, the Zimbabwean leader emphasized that the challenges facing the region, particularly in the DRC, require a collaborative approach. He stressed that the complex nature of the conflict demands that leaders be flexible, transparent, and willing to set aside personal or political differences in pursuit of peace and stability across Africa.

“We need to engage with each other honestly and openly,” President Mnangagwa said. “Only by working together can we find lasting solutions to the problems we face.”

The summit, which brought together leaders from both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focused on the worsening situation in the DRC. The ongoing violence in the eastern part of the country has displaced thousands, destabilized the region, and put millions at risk.

President Mnangagwa’s message came at a critical time, urging leaders to focus on finding diplomatic solutions rather than relying solely on military intervention. His call for unity and flexibility was echoed by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who also spoke at the summit. President Ruto, Chairman of the EAC, recognized the complexity of the DRC crisis and made it clear that military solutions alone won’t solve the problem.

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“The situation in the DRC is deeply rooted, and military force cannot provide a lasting solution,” President Ruto remarked. “What we need is a diplomatic approach that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict, involving all parties and focused on long-term peace.”

Both leaders emphasized that any sustainable peace process must be comprehensive, considering the social, political, and economic factors that have contributed to the ongoing conflict. They agreed that the region’s leaders must commit to a long-term solution that goes beyond military intervention and focuses on dialogue, cooperation, and development.

While the DRC crisis continues to evolve, there is a growing sense of urgency within the EAC and SADC to take concrete steps toward peace. The summit’s discussions are seen as an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and forge a shared commitment to resolving conflicts in a way that promotes lasting stability and prosperity for all involved.