Regional Leaders Join Forces for Peace in the DRC as Zimbabwe Hosts Summit to Address Ongoing Crisis
The regional leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) have shown unity and solidarity in addressing the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The series of urgent meetings, including the SADC Extraordinary Summit in Harare and the ministerial session in Dar es Salaam, aim to create a coordinated strategy to resolve the conflict that has led to the death of hundreds of civilians and displacement of hundreds of thousands this year alone.
The leaders have called for immediate action to stop the advance of M23 rebels, who have taken control of key cities in the region. They have emphasized the need for dialogue, impartial sanctions against the warring factions, and a ceasefire.
The joint SADC-EAC Heads of State Summit is expected to approve a comprehensive action plan that includes timelines, designated responsibilities, and humanitarian corridors.
The regional leaders recognize that a peaceful DRC is essential for African development, as the conflict has far-reaching consequences, including sexual violence, resource exploitation, and weakened governance. The collaboration between the two largest regional groups in Africa represents an unprecedented effort towards Pan-African unity and stability in the region.
