East African Community (EAC) ministers of foreign affairs and defense have reaffirmed their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Meeting on March 15, the ministers stressed the urgency of a united regional response to the security crisis and highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in achieving peace.
The discussions focused on a roadmap for restoring stability in the region and providing technical support to the EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace initiative. Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who chaired the session, emphasized the need for both diplomatic and operational interventions to address the escalating violence.
“The recommendations from this meeting will guide the next steps in our collective response to the evolving situation,” Mudavadi said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He also noted that the discussions set the stage for a joint ministerial session planned for March 17 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since 2021, with M23 rebels leading an armed struggle against the Congolese government. In December 2023, M23 became part of a broader rebel coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), under the leadership of Corneille Nangaa, former chairman of the DRC’s national electoral commission.
AFC has stated its mission is to establish governance that upholds human rights, ensures security for all citizens, and addresses the root causes of conflict. The group has expanded its influence across North and South Kivu provinces, capturing significant territory. Amid continued ceasefire violations and escalating violence, the rebels took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, on January 27, 2025. In February, they seized Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, following further clashes.
On March 13, a SADC summit decided to end its military mission in eastern DRC, initiating a phased withdrawal of troops. This decision coincided with the announcement that direct peace talks between AFC/M23 rebels and the Congolese government would begin in Luanda, Angola, on March 18.
The rebels have set conditions for negotiations, including a public commitment from President Félix Tshisekedi to engage in direct talks with their organization. The upcoming discussions are expected to be a critical step toward resolving the long-standing conflict.
With regional leaders actively pushing for diplomatic solutions, the international community will be watching closely to see if these efforts can bring sustainable peace to eastern DRC.