President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined regional leaders at a summit in Tanzania to discuss solutions for the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The joint summit brought together Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to push for peace and stability in the war-torn region.
The meeting, co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasized dialogue as the best path to lasting peace.
“This meeting provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to seeking peace and security for our brothers and neighbours in the DRC,” President Samia said in her opening remarks.
President Ruto called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and commit to dialogue. “We stand together to call on all parties to actualise the ceasefire. An immediate ceasefire is the only way to create the necessary conditions for a comprehensive peace agreement,” he said.
President Mnangagwa stressed the need for a regional strategy to address the long-standing conflict. He noted that instability in the DRC has affected not only its citizens but also the broader EAC and SADC regions.
Following a closed-door session, the leaders issued a joint communiqué mandating regional Chiefs of Defence Forces to convene within five days. Their task includes enforcing an immediate ceasefire, securing Goma and its surroundings, reopening key supply routes, and coordinating humanitarian aid.
Other leaders at the summit included DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
The meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to ending the DRC conflict and restoring stability through collective action.
