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THE ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cast a long shadow over the Great Lakes region, with devastating consequences for the country and its people.

In response to this dire situation, Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, President Mnangagwa, called on African leaders to draw on the historical solidarity and unity that helped dismantle colonialism to bring peace to the DRC.

His remarks, made during the joint summit between SADC and the East African Community (EAC), highlighted the need for a co-ordinated African-led solution to end the violence and instability that have plagued the DRC for decades.

The DRC’s conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces, has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced, many innocent lives lost, and regional instability reaching new heights.

While there has been numerous peace initiatives over the years, the violence continues, fuelled by armed groups and foreign involvement.

In this context, President Mnangagwa’s call for African unity is more than just rhetoric; it is a reminder of the continent’s collective power to overcome adversity when its leaders work together for a common cause.
Africa’s history of unity and struggle against colonial rule demonstrates that when African nations come together, they can achieve meaningful change.

SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa

President Mnangagwa underscored this point, urging the continent’s leaders to work with the same determination to resolve the DRC crisis.

He called for a joint effort through honest dialogue, focusing on the interests of the people of the DRC.
This was the central theme of the summit, where SADC and EAC leaders, including President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed their commitment to ending the conflict.

The summit also marked a critical shift in the approach to peace-building in the DRC.
The merging of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes into a single framework for conflict resolution is a significant step forward.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi

By combining efforts and resources, the two regional blocs aim to create a more effective and coordinated response to the conflict.

The summit addressed the need for a collective stance against any external support for armed groups in the region.
Leaders were firm in their resolve that no member state should back those responsible for the violence and displacement in the eastern DRC.

This united approach is crucial, as it sends a clear message to all parties involved that the international community, particularly African leaders, will no longer tolerate the perpetuation of conflict for political or economic gain.

The people of DRC deserve lasting peace and security,and African leaders must now act with the urgency and solidarity that characterised the liberation movements during the fight for self rule.