EAC Summit Urges DRC to Enter Peace Talks with M23, Calls for SADC Collaboration

By The Inspirer.

The Extraordinary Summit of East African Community (EAC) Heads of State has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to pursue peace talks with the M23 group as part of efforts to find a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.

The situation in eastern DRC has been escalating, with the M23 group seizing cities such as Sake and Goma by January 23, 2025.

During the summit, which took place virtually on January 29, 2025, EAC leaders expressed deep concern about the growing security crisis in DRC, particularly the recent protests, attacks on foreign embassies—including those of EAC member states—and widespread violence.

While the DRC government was invited to the meeting, President Felix Tshisekedi chose not to attend, despite the summit focusing on the worsening security situation in his country.

In their closing statements, the EAC leaders urged all parties involved in the conflict to halt hostilities immediately to allow humanitarian aid to reach those affected. The summit also called on the DRC government to open discussions with M23 and other armed groups, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.

“The summit called for the peaceful resolution of the crisis and requested the DRC government to engage in dialogue with all relevant parties, including M23 and other armed groups fighting for their rights,” the leaders stated.

Back in DRC, President Tshisekedi addressed the Congolese people, confirming that the war would continue. He also mentioned that state institutions were being ordered to reduce costs to ensure military funding continues to support the ongoing conflict.

In addition, the EAC leaders expressed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has been involved in the region’s issues, should hold further talks with EAC to define a collaborative path forward.

“The summit agreed that a meeting between EAC and SADC will be arranged soon to discuss the next steps,” the leaders concluded.

Kenyan President William Ruto was tasked with coordinating the meeting between the two organizations in the coming days to ensure a unified approach to the crisis.