- Former leaders Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Hailemariam Desalegn were appointed as facilitators of the EAC-SADC peace process.
- The initiative merges the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to streamline conflict resolution.
- EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) met in Nairobi (Feb 21) and Dar es Salaam (Feb 24) to finalize ceasefire details.
- Six key directives were issued, including an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and reopening key supply routes.
- A ministerial meeting is set for February 28 to solidify implementation plans.
- All armed groups, including M23, urged to halt hostilities immediately.
A high-level East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit has renewed optimism for a lasting peace solution in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The conflict-ridden region has suffered from decades of armed violence, with recent escalations threatening regional stability.
In a decisive move, the summit appointed former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as facilitators of a merged EAC-SADC peace process. This initiative integrates the Luanda and Nairobi peace efforts, ensuring a more coordinated and effective approach to resolving the crisis.
Security Meetings and Ceasefire Implementation
Following the summit, EAC Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) met in Nairobi on February 21, while their SADC counterparts convened in Dar es Salaam to align strategies. The discussions focused on implementing six key directives, including:
- An immediate ceasefire between all armed groups.
- Unhindered humanitarian aid to affected communities.
- Reopening critical supply routes, including Goma Airport.
February 24, a joint EAC-SADC CDFs meeting in Dar es Salaam is set to finalize ceasefire mechanisms. A ministerial meeting on February 28 will outline implementation frameworks to ensure compliance.
Call for De-escalation
The summit has urged all parties, including the M23 rebel group, to halt military advancements and respect the ceasefire. The urgent call for de-escalation comes amid heightened clashes, displacing thousands of civilians.
The appointment of seasoned mediators and a unified military response signals a strong regional commitment to achieving peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
