African-Led Peace Efforts Offer Hope for Stability in Eastern DRC

An African-led, inclusive, and well-coordinated peace process remains the most effective path to ending conflict and restoring lasting stability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and East African Community (EAC) have reaffirmed their united commitment to achieving sustainable peace in the region.

This African-driven initiative complements, rather than conflicts with, other international efforts such as the Doha and Washington processes. Notably, the progress achieved so far provides a strong foundation for integrating the Washington Accord and the Qatar Agreement into a unified continental strategy.

At a high-level meeting held at State House Nairobi, co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the EAC-SADC Co-Chairs met with the Panel of Facilitators to advance peace efforts in Eastern DRC.

The meeting resulted in key resolutions, including:

Approval of the terms of reference for the five facilitators.

The decision to merge the secretariats of the AU Commission, EAC, and SADC under the AU framework.

A directive for the AU Commission to inform all member states of the meeting’s resolutions.

The agreement to convene an EAC-SADC summit within one week.

These coordinated steps mark a significant milestone toward achieving durable peace and security in Eastern DRC.