Africa-Press – Lesotho. THE Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) yesterday called for the immediate resumption of direct negotiations and dialogue with all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the M23 rebel group.
The regional leaders in-msisted during the joint summit that there is need for focused and concerted efforts to address the ongoing violence in the region.
They also directed that the talks be conducted under the newly integrated Nairobi-Luanda process, aiming for a sustain- able resolution to the crisis.
The emphasise on inclusive talks was coupled with a call for swift military action, including a directive for the EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) to convene within five days to formulate a concrete plan for a ceasefire, humanitarian access and the reopening of vital supply routes, leaders mandated immediate action on multiple fronts.
“After deliberating on the security situation in Eastern DRC, the summit has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, restoration of essential utilities and supply lines to ensure access to food and other essential commodities, unhindered humanitarian support and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through the Luanda and Nairobi processes,” the leaders stated in the communique.
The joint summit, which was hosted by Tanzania and attended by nine Heads of State including DRC’s Felix
Tshisekedi who joined virtually, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Eastern DRC, which has resulted in loss of life, a growing hu- manitarian crisis and immense suffering, especially among women and children and condemned recent attacks, including those targeting diplomatic missions in Kinshasa.
The leaders also called for the implementation of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) of measures, as well as the disengagement of forces from the DRC, as agreed in the Luanda pro- cess.
It further directed that a joint meeting of Ministers of the EAC and SADC be convened within 30 days to de- liberate on the report of the joint meeting of the CDFs. Earlier, Kenyan President, Dr William Ruto who is the EAC Chairperson said: “An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement.”
He added: “We stand together to call on all par- ties to actualise the ceasefire and specifically on the M23 to halt further advancement and the armed forces of DRC to cease all retaliatory measures.
We must resist the temptation to think that we can somehow shoot or bombard our way to a solution.”
Giving her welcoming remarks, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said as re- gional leaders, history will judge them harshly if they remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day in the DRC.
“In line with the princi- ple of Africa solutions for Africa problems, our countries have collective responsibility to ensure we address peace and security challenges that have heavily impacted innocent civilians, this joint summit meeting presents an opportunity to recommit our collective efforts in addressing the conflict and reaffirm our sustainable peace and stability in the entire two blocs,” she said
The statistics show that the ongoing conflict in Goma has already caused over 700 deaths and more than 400,000 people displaced.
UN aid agencies have warned of a major humanitarian crisis with shortages of food and water, hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.
The M23 has also threatened to continue its offensive to the capital, Kinshasa.
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