African Leaders Unite for Peace Talks to End DRC’s Security Crisis

Leaders from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries have reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue as the most effective path to resolving the ongoing security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This message was delivered during a special summit aimed at finding a lasting solution to the security challenges in the region. The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, was attended by Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), William Ruto (Kenya), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), and Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa).

The President of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, joined the summit virtually, represented by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.

Kenyan President William Ruto, who also chairs the EAC, emphasized that dialogue between the warring parties is the key to ending the violence that has plagued Eastern DRC for decades. He pointed out that the region has suffered from persistent conflicts that have claimed countless lives and displaced millions of people, severely affecting development.

“This region has endured years of conflict that have left deep scars on its people. The recent tensions in Goma and surrounding areas further underline the importance of peaceful dialogue,” President Ruto said, urging the warring factions to immediately cease hostilities to pave the way for constructive talks.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who heads SADC, affirmed the regional bloc’s support for the Nairobi and Luanda peace initiatives, which aim to silence the guns and prioritize negotiations. He expressed confidence that the summit would help develop solutions to the ongoing crisis.

“Tackling the DRC’s security issues is crucial not only for the country but for the entire region. As leaders, we are committed to supporting efforts to restore peace and security,” Mnangagwa said.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called for collective regional action, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing violence on human lives, economies, and trade.

“We have witnessed the devastating effects of this violence on people’s lives. The instability in Eastern DRC has not only caused loss of life but also hampered economic activities, especially cross-border trade,” President Suluhu stated. She underscored that African leaders must take responsibility for resolving these conflicts to protect innocent civilians and ensure lasting peace.

The summit, which was convened following the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, a key city in North Kivu province, sought to devise sustainable solutions for the region. President Ruto reiterated that peace is achievable and must be pursued urgently.

“Peace is possible, and it must return. Today, we are united in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to enable meaningful talks. This is the only way forward for the people of DRC,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni added that DRC President Tshisekedi should engage directly with the M23 rebel leaders to resolve the crisis. “Direct dialogue with the opposition is crucial. This issue affects all of us, and no other forum is better suited for finding a solution than this one,” he remarked.

Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa also stressed the importance of swiftly implementing the resolutions made during the summit. “The ongoing conflict has already claimed too many lives, and it is essential that we act without delay to implement the decisions we make here today,” he said.

Although President Tshisekedi was not physically present, his remarks were delivered via online platforms, showing his commitment to the ongoing peace process.

This summit marks a critical step in the collective regional effort to address the root causes of the DRC’s security crisis and chart a path toward sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.