The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a virtual meeting next week to deliberate on the escalating conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This follows talks between President William Ruto who is also the EAC Chairperson, and SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Windhoek, Namibia.
In a statement, Ruto said the two blocs remain committed to implementing resolutions from a joint summit held in February in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“The East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are firmly committed to implementing the resolutions of our joint summit held last month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the escalating conflict in Eastern DRC. Our primary focus is to address the crisis and deliver lasting peace,” said Ruto.
The leaders also agreed to enhance regional integration and trade through the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, which brings together the EAC, SADC, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), while advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During the EAC-SADC joint summit in February, Ruto urged African leaders to give the DRC crisis urgent attention, stressing the need for both strategic focus and compassion.
He expressed concern that ongoing violence had disrupted the lives of millions hindering the country’s economic progress.
The head of state called for a united EAC-SADC approach with a well-structured secretariat to oversee coordination and enforcement.
