EAC leaders hold emergency summit on Eastern DRC conflict
The summit also condemned attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff in Kinshasa, calling on the DRC government to ensure the protection of diplomats, citizens, and property.
East African Community (EAC) Heads of State held an extraordinary summit on January 29, 2025, to address the escalating security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The virtual meeting brought together presidents from Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Uganda to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation and recent attacks in the region.
In a joint communiqué issued after the summit, the leaders expressed deep concern over the loss of lives, ongoing violence, and the suffering of civilians, particularly women and children. They extended condolences to affected families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
The summit also condemned attacks on diplomatic missions, embassies, and staff in Kinshasa, calling on the DRC government to ensure the protection of diplomats, citizens, and property.
In an effort to curb the violence, the EAC leaders demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urged all parties involved to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. They further called on the DRC government to engage in direct dialogue with all stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group and other armed factions, to pursue a peaceful resolution.
Recognizing the involvement of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the DRC crisis, the summit resolved to convene a joint EAC-SADC meeting in the coming days. The EAC Chairperson was tasked with consulting the SADC leadership to coordinate a regional approach to the conflict.
This summit reaffirmed the region’s commitment to restoring stability in eastern DRC through diplomatic engagement, humanitarian support, and regional cooperation.
