Leaders from EAC & SADC to convene over raging conflict in DRC

Two regional blocs of the East Africa Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are set to meet to discuss measures ow to end the raging conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has been reported to have led to the loss of lives and capture of major cities by the fighting forces.

This followed the 24th Extraordinary Summit of The East African Community Heads of State on The Recent Developments in The Eastern Democratic Republic of The Congo, which was held virtually on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

During the summit the heads of state in a joint communique called for a cease-fire and a peaceful settlement of the conflict between the fighting forces in DRC through dialogue with all stakeholders, including the M23 And Other armed groups that have grievances.

The summit resolved to convene a meeting with SADC based on the reports that the southern regional bloc was involved in the same conflict.

“Noting that the South African Development Community (SADC) has also been involved in eastern DRC, The Summit decided on A Joint EAC, SADC Summit to deliberate on the way forward, and mandated the chairperson to consult with the chairperson of SADC on the urgent convening of the same in the next few days” partly reads the communique.

The virtual meeting was attended by The East African Community Heads Of State, Their Excellencies Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President Of The Republic Of Kenya, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President Of The Federal Republic Of Somalia, Samia Suluhu Hassan, President Of The United Republic Of Tanzania, Évariste Ndayishimiye, President Of The Republic Of Burundi, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President Of The Republic Of South Sudan; Paul Kagame, President Of The Republic Of Rwanda; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President Of The Republic Of Uganda,

Mr. William Ruto President of Kenya and Chairperson of EAC

 The Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Mr. William Ruto, the president of Kenya, while commending the heads of state for participating in the meeting convened at short notice, raised concern about the expanding crisis manifesting in attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies and staff based in Kinshasa, urging the government of DRC to protect diplomatic missions, lives and property.

The raging conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified, sparking widespread human rights violations, including civilian deaths and a growing refugee crisis, as the M23 rebel group continues its assault on the city of Goma and surrounding areas

The fighting between the DRC government forces and the M23 rebels, who claim control of Goma’s international airport and the city itself, has prompted urgent intervention from regional and international bodies

On January 28, 2025, leaders from the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened emergency meetings to address the worsening situation.

According to a DRC source, in recent weeks, the conflict between the armed group M23/AFC and the Congolese army, backed by their allies flared up spreading from North to South Kivu provinces in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since December 2024, several fronts have been opened in the two provinces to control key positions. In Lubero territory, North Kivu, the conflict resumed in December, causing massive population displacement. It continued into Masisi territory, where intense fighting took place in January, particularly over control of the town of Masisi Centre, before moving toward South Kivu’s Minova and Numbi in Kalehe territory.