SADC and EAC join forces to address DRC security crisis

Efforts are underway to restore full control of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to its central government as SADC and the East African Community (EAC) prepare for a joint Extraordinary Summit in Tanzania this Saturday. The summit, co-chaired by SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his EAC counterpart, Kenyan President William Ruto, will tackle the escalating security crisis in the DRC.

Speaking to the media at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of unified governance in the DRC.

"The DRC has always faced challenges of this nature. It is a vast country, and the first step is ensuring a central government that fully controls this vast territory. Currently, there are various authorities speaking differently within the same country, which is not ideal for a sovereign nation," he said.

He expressed hope that the summit would foster "one voice in one country" and stressed the importance of having all relevant parties present at the meeting. "It does not help to discuss matters with some participants absent. My belief is that my dear brother [President Ruto] will invite all parties involved," he added.

Reports indicate that both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend. Rwanda has been accused of backing rebel groups operating in the mineral-rich DRC, allegations it has consistently denied.

The summit will bring together the SADC Double Troika, comprising the SADC Chairperson, outgoing Chairperson, incoming Chairperson, and the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Co-operation, along with Troop Contributing Countries.

President Ruto confirmed earlier this week that he had engaged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and other leaders to participate in the peace efforts.

The DRC has been plagued by over 30 years of conflict, with the eastern region remaining a hotspot for violence. Recent clashes between government forces and rebel groups have left an estimated 900 civilians dead and displaced tens of thousands more.

Fighting has also claimed the lives of 16 soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Malawi, who are part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

As rebel forces captured much of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, tensions escalated between South Africa and Rwanda. The South African government issued a diplomatic warning, stating that further attacks on its troops would be treated as a "declaration of war."

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, however, accused South Africa of acting as a "belligerent force" and engaging in "offensive combat operations" to support the Congolese government.

The summit aims to address these tensions and map out a comprehensive strategy for restoring stability in the DRC. Both SADC and the EAC are expected to emphasize the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to resolve the conflict and ensure the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting reflects growing regional and international efforts to resolve one of Africa's longest-standing and most complex crises, with hopes that a united front will pave the way for lasting peace in the DRC.