By Jones Gadama
In a significant display of regional solidarity, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi joined fellow heads of state and government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for a virtual meeting on Monday evening.
The emergency summit, convened to address the escalating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), brought together key regional leaders to forge a united response to the crisis.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the regional blocs for demonstrating a sense of solidarity in the face of adversity.
“It is heartening to see our regional communities coming together to address the security challenges facing the DRC,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added, “This show of unity is a testament to our commitment to peace and stability in the region.”
President William Ruto of Kenya, co-chairperson of the summit, congratulated DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for their commitment to tackling the issues affecting the continent.
“We recognize the critical role that the DRC and Rwanda play in regional stability, and we commend their leaders for their efforts to address the security challenges facing the region,” President Ruto said.
The virtual meeting marked the second joint EAC-SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, following the first meeting convened in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.
The summit aimed to coordinate a regional response to the deteriorating security situation in the DRC, which has raised concerns about the potential for regional instability.
The leaders discussed various strategies for addressing the security challenges in the DRC, including diplomatic efforts, economic cooperation, and regional security initiatives.
They also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and support in addressing the crisis.
As the region continues to grapple with the security challenges facing the DRC, the summit marked an important step towards forging a united regional response.
With the commitment and cooperation of regional leaders, there is hope for a peaceful and stable resolution to the crisis.
The summit’s outcome is expected to have significant implications for regional stability and security.
As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the region will be watching closely to see how the commitments made at the summit translate into action on the ground.
In related news, the African Union (AU) has also expressed concern about the security situation in the DRC and has called for a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the crisis.
The AU has offered to support regional efforts to address the security challenges facing the DRC.
As the region moves forward, it is clear that a united and coordinated response will be critical in addressing the security challenges facing the DRC.
With the commitment and cooperation of regional leaders, there is hope for a peaceful and stable resolution to the crisis.
