The SADC Chairperson, President Mnangagwa, along with his EAC counterpart, Kenyan President William Ruto, are anticipated to convene a high-level gathering later this week. The primary objectives include officially selecting an esteemed group of African leaders and outlining their mission to find a sustainable resolution for the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During last Monday’s virtual SADC-EAC conference, the participating regional heads of state designated former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, past South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, previous Central African Republic President Catherine Samba Panza, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to lead initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Mnangagwa and President Ruto were assigned the responsibility of organizing the briefing within a week’s time to detail the commission's mission and objectives.
During an interview yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira stated that the preparations have reached an advanced phase, with the meeting scheduled to occur as per the specified guidelines.
Professor Murwira stated that they anticipate the high-level briefing could occur at any time soon and will take place within the seven-day timeframe that was specified.
By last Friday, the preparations had reached an advanced phase; both the program and schedule were nearing completion with signatures finalized for various documents. The Excellencies mentioned they would conduct the briefing within a week, hence we expect it to occur as scheduled next week. We eagerly anticipate receiving confirmation from them.
This map shows areas where M23 rebels are operating in the DRC.
In a separate interview, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said efforts were being made to ensure the mediation process begins immediately.
"The process has to be navigated delicately as it involves a number of issues such as sending formal requisitions to the nominated leaders, terms of references and coming up with dates for the meeting that are suitable for everyone," he said.
The meeting is scheduled to take place shortly, even though specific dates aren’t available yet. We should acknowledge the efforts being put forth to make sure it happens.
It is anticipated that the group of leaders will help initiate talks among conflicting sides, such as the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, with the aim of fostering peace discussions and tackling root concerns.
It is anticipated that they will push for global backing and help for the DRC, encompassing humanitarian aid, financing for developmental projects, and assets for reconstructing impacted areas.
Recently the United Nations Security Council applauded efforts by the two regional blocs to resolve the DRC crisis and strongly condemned the ongoing offensive by M23 rebels in the eastern DRC.
The Security Council demanded that the M23 immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from all areas that it controls, and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in the DRC territory.
It reiterated the urgent appeal for all parties to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by leaders from EAC and SADC.
The M23 rebels have been moving south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in what appears to be an attempt to expand their area of control in the country's east after capturing the city of Goma.
M23, which refers to March 23, 2009, is the latest group of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgents to take up arms against Congolese forces. It launched the current rebellion in 2022.
The group has accused the government of Congo of not living up to the peace deal and fully integrating Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration.
The latest advances are part of a major escalation of a decades-old conflict over power, identity and resources that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions since its recent resurgence.
According to reports at least 7 000 people have died in the fighting since January this year with over 600 000 people having been displaced by the fighting since November 2024.
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