Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) recently convened to address the pressing security concerns in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The joint summit, held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, followed a meeting of EAC and SADC ministers the day prior, where the security situation was thoroughly examined.
In a final statement released after the summit, the heads of state and government of the SADC and EAC emphasized that a political and diplomatic commitment is crucial for a lasting resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the leaders issued directives to the defense chiefs of the EAC-SADC forces to convene within five days and provide technical guidance on several key areas.
Ceasefire and Humanitarian Assistance
First and foremost, the summit called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of halting hostilities to protect civilian lives. Additionally, the provision of humanitarian aid, including the repatriation of the deceased and the evacuation of the wounded, was identified as a critical priority.
Developing a Stabilization Plan for Goma
The leaders also instructed the defense chiefs to develop a stabilization plan for Goma and its surrounding areas. This plan aims to restore order and security in the region, which has been severely disrupted following the occupation of Goma by the M23 rebellion, supported by the Rwandan army.
Reopening Supply Routes and Goma Airport
Furthermore, the summit highlighted the necessity of reopening key supply routes to ensure the flow of essential goods and services to the affected population. Specific routes such as Goma-Sake-Bukavu, Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Kalengera-Rutshuru-Bunagana, and Goma-Kiwanja-Rwindi-Kanyabayonga-Lubero were identified for immediate attention. Additionally, the prompt reopening of Goma airport was deemed crucial to facilitating humanitarian efforts and enabling the delivery of much-needed aid.
The Urgency for Action
The urgency of the situation in eastern DRC cannot be overstated, with over 3000 reported deaths and more than 2000 injuries. The dire humanitarian and security conditions have spurred calls for swift action to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations. Both the United Nations and humanitarian organizations have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical need to reopen key infrastructure such as the Goma International Airport and other blocked routes to establish a humanitarian corridor in accordance with international law during times of conflict.
In conclusion, the joint summit of the SADC and EAC underscored the importance of political and diplomatic engagement as the cornerstone of a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC. By issuing clear directives to address immediate security and humanitarian concerns, the leaders have taken a significant step towards restoring stability and providing much-needed relief to the affected populations. The successful implementation of these directives will be crucial in bringing about a positive change in the region and fostering a path towards lasting peace and prosperity.