By 
Heads of State and Government from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) held a virtual joint summit last night to accelerate efforts toward resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting, co-chaired by SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto, focused on measures to end hostilities between the DRC government forces and the armed group M23.
In his opening remarks, President Mnangagwa commended regional leaders for their commitment to peace efforts and acknowledged the progress made since their last joint summit on February 8, 2025. However, he expressed concern over delays in implementing key resolutions, warning that the security situation in the DRC remains fragile.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“We are deeply concerned that the implementation of our decisions is not proceeding with the urgency they deserve. The humanitarian situation remains dire, and key supply routes, including Goma and Bukavu airports, remain closed,” he said.
President Mnangagwa emphasized that military interventions alone cannot resolve the crisis and called for increased diplomatic engagement to facilitate the withdrawal of SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) troops.
“There is a need for us to accelerate the implementation of our joint interventions. We continue to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It is crucial to establish a political framework that enables lasting peace,” he added.
President Ruto praised the recent direct engagement between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, facilitated by Qatari authorities. He highlighted the need for sustained regional cooperation, stating that the conflict’s impact extends beyond DRC’s borders.
“The situation in eastern DRC is a concern not just for the country itself, but for the entire region. The loss of life and displacement of people demand urgent and collective action,” said President Ruto.
From Zimbabwe, the meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, and Presidential Communications Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba.
As regional leaders push for a permanent solution, the focus remains on enforcing a ceasefire, strengthening diplomatic efforts, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches affected communities. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift and decisive action to bring stability to eastern DRC.
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