Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have jointly called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces operating without invitation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The demand was made during a high-level emergency summit convened in Tanzania to address the worsening security situation in the region, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group.
The summit, held in Dar es Salaam, was co-chaired by EAC Chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto, SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who hosted the gathering. Among the key attendees were DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and other regional leaders or their representatives.
In her opening remarks, President Samia underscored the importance of diplomacy in achieving sustainable peace. She stressed that open dialogue remains the most effective means to resolve the crisis, urging all involved parties to engage in negotiations.
“This summit reaffirms our unwavering commitment to peace in the DRC. Through unity and dialogue, we must ensure stability and security for our brothers and sisters in the region,” she stated.
Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the EAC, echoed similar sentiments, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He emphasized that armed groups, including M23, should halt their offensives, while DRC forces should also restrain from retaliatory actions to create a conducive environment for negotiations.
“We are united in our demand for a ceasefire and urge all parties to commit to constructive dialogue. Stability in the DRC is essential for the entire region,” Ruto stated.
Concerns Over Foreign Involvement
A key focus of the discussions was the presence of uninvited foreign forces in eastern DRC, particularly allegations of Rwandan military support for M23. The summit leaders strongly condemned external interference, calling for the withdrawal of all unauthorized troops to allow Congolese authorities to restore order.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, chair of SADC, warned that the prolonged instability in the DRC not only endangers its citizens but also threatens regional security. He urged member states to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis.
“The conflict in the DRC has had devastating consequences beyond its borders. As a region, we must collectively work towards a lasting solution,” Mnangagwa stated.
Following the discussions, the leaders convened a closed-door session, after which a joint communiqué was issued. It mandated the Chiefs of Defence Forces from SADC and EAC to meet within five days to develop an action plan focused on:
Enforcing an immediate ceasefire
Ensuring humanitarian aid reaches affected populations
Securing Goma and surrounding areas
Reopening key transport and supply routes, including Goma Airport
Recommending further interventions to stabilize the region
The summit concluded with a collective commitment to work towards sustainable peace in the DRC. Regional leaders pledged to continue diplomatic efforts while reinforcing mechanisms to prevent further escalation of violence.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, but the regional bloc’s unified stance signals a renewed push to end the prolonged conflict and restore stability.