SADC-EAC Leaders Address Escalating DRC Violence
By Ellen Hambuba
The joint Summit of Southern Africa Development Community and East Africa Community has opened in Dar es salaam Tanzania with a call on regional leaders to ensure they urgently address escalating violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA is among 16 SADC Heads of State and Government attending the Summit.
Others include Rwandan President PAUL KAGAME and Ugandan President YOWERI MUSEVENI.
DRC President FELIX TSHISEKEDI is attending the summit virtually.
And President HICHILEMA says the joint Summit underscores the importance of regional cooperation in tackling security challenges, with both the EAC and SADC joining forces to advance peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
The President says the collaborative approach highlights the commitment of regional leaders to finding sustainable solutions to the crisis through dialogue, diplomacy, and coordinated action.
President HICHILEMA says Zambia will continue to consistently champion the principle that peace, security, and stability are fundamental prerequisites for sustainable development.
He firmly believes that instability anywhere poses a threat to stability everywhere and that regional security concerns are best addressed through collective engagement by nations within the affected region.
President HICHILEMA says as a key participant in the Summit, he will engage his counterparts in advancing dialogue and peace-building efforts aimed at restoring stability in the DRC.
Through his leadership and strong network among regional Heads of State, the President remains committed to promoting diplomatic solutions that will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in Eastern DRC.
President HICHILEMA said this through State House Chief Communication Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA on the margins of the summit.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s President SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, who officially opened the summit on behalf of the two regional blocs, said there is need for leaders in the two regions to recommit their collective efforts in addressing the conflicts and reaffirm sustainable peace and stability in the block.
Dr. HASSAN said it remains crucial for leaders in SADC and EAC to find a durable solution that upholds sovereignty, promotes inclusivity and ensure that the people of DRC enjoy peace and security they have been yearning for.
She said Tanzania is deeply concerned about the persistent insecurity in Eastern DRC adding that the ongoing conflict not only destabilises a brotherly nation but also puts serious dents on consistent efforts to enhance regional integration.
Dr. SAMIA said Tanzania remains committed to supporting ongoing diplomatic initiatives to end conflict in Eastern DRC and has called on all parties involved in the conflict to positively engage in negotiations and commit to peaceful co existence.
She said the gathering of leasers from SADC and EAC should be an opportunity to reflect and engage constructively on what needs to be done to assist fellow member states in assessing security challenges despite complexity of the matter being dealt with.
Dr. SAMIA noted that as members of SADC and EAC, there is need to remain resolute in the quest to see peaceful and stable regional blocs by promoting an end to violence.
And Kenya’s President WILLIAM RUTO, who is Chairperson of EAC, thanked President SAMIA for agreeing to host the joint summit.
President RUTO said the conflict in the DRC is a situation that demands SADC and EAC collective and sustained attention.
He noted that the Eastern DRC has been engulfed in devastating conflict for over two decades now which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians, inflicted unbearable suffering and losses and set back development of one of the most promising countries in the region.
President RUTO noted that the recent escalation of hostilities in Goma and surrounding areas is a stack reminder of increased fragility and that only collective action to facilitate and negotiate solutions will offer relief.
He reiterated calls to the warring parties to the tragic conflict to immediately seize hostilities and take positive action to allow meaningful dialogue aimed at restoration of stability.
President RUTO said SADC and EAC stand together to calling on all parties to actualise the ceasefire for M23 to halt further advancement and the armed forces of DRC to ceasefire.
He said an immediate ceasefire is the only way by which the regional blocks can create necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement.
Dr. RUTO said the time for action is now as the life of millions depends on the region’s ability to navigate this complex and challenging situation with wisdom.
And Zimbabwean President EMMERSON MNANGAGWA who is also chairperson of SADC conveyed a message of condolence to member states and families of the brave peacekeepers who lost their lives during their service for peace in Eastern DRC.
President MNANGAGWA also recognized the loss of lives and livelihoods that has resulted from the increased insecurity in DRC.
He said the historic summit of two regional blocks should take a bold decision to silence the guns in the continent and implement lasting solutions to the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC.
