Mnangagwa seeks to silence guns in DRC

SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to depart for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, today to attend the joint SADC-East African Community (EAC) Summit. The high-level meeting seeks to address the worsening security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has been plagued by violence from armed rebel groups.

President Mnangagwa will lead a Double Troika delegation comprising SADC leaders, including outgoing Chair Angolan President João Lourenço, incoming Chair Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, outgoing Organ Chair Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, and incoming Organ Chair Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr. George Charamba, said the President is optimistic that the joint efforts of SADC and EAC will lead to a sustainable resolution for peace, not only in eastern DRC but across the region.

“This summit is a continuation of the SADC Extraordinary Summit held in Harare, where it was agreed that both SADC and EAC must convene to address the eastern DRC crisis. The President is deeply concerned about the ongoing infighting and hopes the collective will for peace will prevail," said Mr. Charamba.

Presidents Mnangagwa and Kenya's William Ruto, as Chairpersons of SADC and EAC respectively, will spearhead the deliberations. Notably, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose nations are at the center of the tensions, have agreed to participate in the talks.

The meeting will also include participation from non-State actors to provide a broader perspective on resolving the crisis. Additionally, key troop-contributing countries to SADC's regional security efforts — South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi — will play a pivotal role in discussions.

The eastern DRC has been a battleground for decades, with the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, escalating violence in the region. The rebels recently seized the strategic city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and are advancing towards South Kivu province, threatening the city of Bukavu.

The conflict has left a trail of death, destruction, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Multiple armed groups, including M23, are vying for control of the region's vast mineral wealth, further fueling instability.

The SADC-EAC Summit aims to chart a roadmap for peace, with both blocs leveraging their collective influence and resources to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the region.

Kenyan President Ruto, who has been engaging with regional leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, expressed hope that the Summit would mark a turning point for the region.

“The goal is a lasting resolution to the conflict. The involvement of all stakeholders, including non-State actors and affected communities, is crucial for achieving this," said Mr. Charamba.

With the world's attention on Dar es Salaam, the Summit's outcome will be critical in determining the path forward for the DRC and the stability of the broader region.