By Dorothy Musyoka
The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have taken significant steps to address the escalating security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a virtual Joint Summit co-chaired by President William Ruto , Chair of the EAC, and H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Chair of SADC, regional leaders resolved to fast-track the peace process and enhance coordination efforts.
A key outcome of the summit was the appointment of an expanded panel of five facilitators to steer the peace process.
The distinguished panel includes:
- H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (Former President of Kenya)
- H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo (Former President of Nigeria)
- H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe (Former President of South Africa)
- H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde (Former President of Ethiopia)
- H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza (Former President of the Central African Republic)
The summit also formally adopted the EAC-SADC Ministerial Report, which provides a structured roadmap toward de-escalation. The report outlines key measures, including:
Establishing an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities
Deploying a joint monitoring secretariat to oversee implementation
Enhancing diplomatic engagement with all parties involved
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated regional approach, emphasizing that a lasting solution in Eastern DRC requires sustained political dialogue, security interventions, and humanitarian support.
The expanded facilitation panel will begin engagements immediately to ensure that the peace roadmap is effectively implemented. The EAC and SADC remain committed to supporting the people of the DRC and fostering long-term stability in the region.