By Patriot Corps
The Joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to halt escalating violence in the country’s east. The summit, held in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025, brought together leaders from both regional blocs to address the deteriorating security situation in DR Congo.
Host President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that history “will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day”. The leaders directed the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within five days and draft technical recommendations on enforcing an unconditional ceasefire, securing key areas like Goma, and reopening vital supply routes, including Goma Airport.
The summit reaffirmed that political and diplomatic engagement remains the most viable solution to the crisis and called for the unification of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. However, the absence of key figures, including Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye and DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi, raised questions about the political commitment to achieving lasting peace in DR Congo.
Despite the challenges, the EAC and SADC have pledged to work together to address the crisis. The summit’s outcome demonstrates a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and a desire to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. The EAC and SADC are now pushing for a stronger, coordinated regional response, with attention turning to the coming days as military chiefs map out the next steps in enforcing the ceasefire.
