EAC and SADC Leaders Unite for Peace in Eastern DRC at Historic Joint Summit
In a historic move to address the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit, co-chaired by President William Ruto of Kenya (EAC Chairperson) and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe (SADC Chairperson), brought together leaders from across the two regions to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.
The summit was attended by prominent leaders, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, among others. Also present were representatives from the African Union Commission, including Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, as well as the Executive Secretary of SADC, Elias Magosi, and the Secretary General of the EAC, Veronica Nduva.
The leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, which has resulted in significant loss of life, a humanitarian crisis, and attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. They called for an immediate ceasefire, the restoration of essential utilities, and the reopening of key supply routes to ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected communities.
A key outcome of the summit was the decision to merge the Luanda and Nairobi processes into a single, unified framework—the Luanda/Nairobi Process—to enhance diplomatic efforts and bring lasting peace to the region. The leaders also directed the EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five days to develop a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas, reopen Goma Airport, and ensure the safe navigation of Lake Kivu.
The summit reaffirmed the commitment of both regional blocs to support the DRC in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and pursuit of sustainable peace. Leaders also agreed to hold annual consultations to review matters of common interest and ensure continued collaboration between the EAC and SADC.
The Joint Summit concluded with gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Tanzania for hosting the event, as well as appreciation for the leadership of Presidents Ruto and Mnangagwa in steering the discussions toward a path of peace and stability.
This landmark meeting marks a significant step forward in addressing one of Africa’s most pressing security challenges, demonstrating the power of regional cooperation in achieving lasting peace.
