Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for unity and decisive action to address the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that instability in the region has “far-reaching consequences” for the entire African continent.
Speaking at the Joint SADC-EAC Summit on the Situation in Eastern DRC in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for African-led solutions and a coordinated response to the crisis.
“We must remain as solidly united as we were during the struggle for the complete emancipation and independence of Africa from colonialism. We, thus, have a duty and collective responsibility to comprehensively, frankly, tackle and address the various challenges that are impeding the realisation of peace and security for the people of Eastern DRC,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended Tanzanian President Samia Hassan for hosting the gathering and acknowledged Kenyan President William Ruto’s leadership of the EAC. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who died in the line of duty.
“Allow me, on behalf of SADC, the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, to once again convey heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Member States and families of the brave peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of the people of DRC and indeed the cause of peace,” he said
He also stressed that the conflict required an urgent, strategic, and collaborative approach stating, “This historic Summit of our two regional blocks is testament to our shared commitment to the founding values of the African Union. Such joint initiatives must see us scale up bold and decisive actions to silence the guns on our Continent, but most immediately, implement lasting solutions to the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC.”
President Mnangagwa acknowledged the progress made under the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which sought to mediate the conflict through diplomatic engagement and military intervention, but urged leaders to push for a concrete solution.
“This Summit should leap us forward towards a concrete roadmap to help resolve the ongoing crisis. As the leaders entrusted to nurture and facilitate unity, peace and development in this epoch, we cannot let the peoples of our regions down; their hope is in us,” he noted
With thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing clashes between government forces and armed groups, President Mnangagwa said the humanitarian toll must remain a central focus.
“We also recognise the loss of civilian lives and livelihoods that has resulted from the increased insecurity and insurgence in Eastern DRC. Our prayers continue to be made for the affected families and communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the summit is expected to produce a joint resolution outlining the next steps for military and diplomatic engagement in the eastern DRC conflict, amid growing concerns over the worsening security situation.
