President Paul Kagame has called for a fundamental shift in addressing the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), stating that the war will not end unless the root causes—political failures and injustices—are resolved.
“If you want the war to end, you end the injustice, you end political problems for not only your people but for others, including neighbors, that are affected,” Kagame told regional leaders during the 2nd Joint East African Community (EAC) – Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, held virtually.
He also cautioned against selective interpretations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing Rwanda’s security concerns.
“Rwanda remains concerned about our security, and this must be addressed within the framework of dealing with problems of other countries, including DRC. When we talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity, it should mean every country. Every country deserves respect of its territorial integrity or its sovereignty.”
The summit, co-chaired by EAC Chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto and SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reaffirmed a coordinated political approach to the crisis.
Also present was DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi, alongside regional ministers and key officials.
Leaders reviewed the findings of the Joint EAC-SADC Ministers’ report and past resolutions, including discussions held in Tanzania on February 8, the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on February 14, and UN Security Council Resolution 2773 of February 21.
A roadmap prepared by regional defense chiefs and ministers was endorsed, outlining immediate and long-term measures to stabilize the volatile region.
To accelerate mediation efforts, a high-level panel of facilitators was appointed, ensuring gender, regional, and linguistic inclusivity. The panel includes:
• Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria
• Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya
• Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of South Africa
• Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic
• Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Ethiopia
Their mandate is to guide negotiations and ensure an inclusive approach to resolving the conflict.
The summit concluded with a directive for immediate implementation of the peace roadmap, with the EAC and SADC Secretariats, regional defense chiefs, and political leaders tasked with ensuring tangible progress.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, there is renewed hope that this strengthened collaboration will lead to a lasting resolution for one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
