By Dorothy Musyoka
Ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened for a high-level meeting to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Co-chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Prof. Amon Murwira, the meeting underscored negotiation as the most viable pathway to ending the prolonged crisis that has displaced millions and left vulnerable groups including women, children, and Persons with Disabilities at grave risk.
The discussions highlighted the escalating humanitarian toll and the broader threats posed by the conflict, including sexual violence as a weapon of war, illicit resource exploitation, and the weakening of state institutions.
The ministers acknowledged that a collective and coordinated regional response is essential to restoring stability and preventing further suffering.
“Beyond the humanitarian toll, the conflict is evolving into broader threats, including sexual violence as a weapon of war, resource exploitation, and the weakening of state institutions. A collective response is crucial. Dialogue remains our strongest tool in forging a sustainable solution, and I urge all stakeholders to embrace it,” stated CS Mudavadi.
Prof. Murwira and fellow Foreign Ministers echoed the call for unity in addressing the crisis, recognizing the urgent need to support ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The meeting set the stage for the upcoming Summit of Heads of State and Government, where regional leaders will outline a united strategy for achieving peace in DRC.
The EAC-SADC partnership remains committed to fostering regional stability through dialogue and cooperation, reinforcing the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
The Ministers’ recommendations will be presented at the Heads of State Summit tomorrow, where leaders will deliberate on actionable strategies to end the conflict.
The Summit is expected to strengthen coordination between EAC and SADC in peacebuilding efforts across the region.