Southern and East African leaders will meet in Dar es Salaam to discuss the escalating conflict in eastern Congo and seek a collaborative resolution.
In a concerted effort to address the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaders from Southern and East Africa are set to convene a joint summit on February 7-8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This unprecedented meeting aims to foster collaboration between regional blocs to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.
The summit brings together member states from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), reflecting a unified regional approach to the conflict. The primary focus will be on the recent surge in violence in eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has seized significant territories, including the strategic city of Goma. 
Read Also; Uganda Launches Ebola Vaccine Trial Amid New Outbreak
The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 900 fatalities reported in recent weeks and approximately half a million people displaced. The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation, with calls for immediate action to prevent further escalation.
The upcoming summit will provide a platform for leaders to discuss coordinated military and diplomatic strategies to address the crisis. The involvement of both SADC and EAC underscores the recognition that the conflict’s implications extend beyond the DRC’s borders, potentially affecting regional stability.
Notably, the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, are expected to attend the summit. Their participation is seen as a critical opportunity for direct dialogue, given the strained relations between the two nations. The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied.
The joint summit in Dar es Salaam represents a pivotal moment in the quest for peace in eastern Congo. By bringing together leaders from Southern and East Africa, the meeting aims to foster a collaborative approach to resolving the conflict. The outcomes of this summit could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the future of the DRC. As the international community watches closely, the hope is that this unified effort will lead to a lasting resolution and alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the conflict.
