NAIROBI, Kenya – The push for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is gaining momentum as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) roll out a structured roadmap aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability.
With M23 rebels tightening their grip on Goma, leaders from both blocs are pressing for immediate action, blending diplomatic dialogue with strategic security interventions.
I co-chaired the EAC-SADC Ministers’ Meeting on the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Our discussions focused on negotiation as a key pathway to ending the prolonged crisis, which continues to displace millions and expose vulnerable groups of women, children, and Persons with…
Securing Goma and Reopening Humanitarian Corridors
The humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC took a drastic turn last week when flights in and out of Goma Airport were halted after M23 rebels seized control of the key infrastructure.
This disruption has paralyzed aid delivery, worsening an already dire situation for civilians.
In response, ministers from EAC and SADC issued a joint statement urging the immediate reopening of Goma Airport to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
They also agreed on a securitization plan for Goma and its surroundings, prioritizing the protection of civilians while ensuring the safe repatriation of the deceased and medical support for the injured.
Furthermore, the ministers emphasized that any long-term solution must be rooted in strengthening coordination between the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes.
This includes implementing the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a rebel group that has fueled instability in the region.
Ceasefire Talks and Political Dialogue in Motion
To accelerate de-escalation efforts, EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defence are set to meet within five days to provide technical guidance on ceasefire negotiations.
The ministers also called for the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures while advocating for direct engagement with non-state actors, including M23 rebels, in a bid to chart a peaceful resolution.
In the medium term, leaders are pushing for a structured political dialogue aimed at tackling the root causes of the conflict.
This process will also outline strategies for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC, a move seen as critical to long-term stability.
At the heart of these efforts is a broader EAC-SADC initiative, which President William Ruto insists must be supported by a robust secretariat capable of ensuring coordinated monitoring and enforcement.
He also called on the international community to align its support with this regional framework to enhance effectiveness.
The 30-Day Roadmap: A Strategic Action Plan
A comprehensive roadmap outlining immediate, medium, and long-term measures—including the financial modalities necessary for implementation—will be presented for consideration and approval within 30 days at the next Joint Ministerial Meeting.
This action plan is expected to provide a clear timeline for peacebuilding, security interventions, and economic recovery initiatives.
Leaders made it clear that diplomacy, rather than military force, is the only viable path forward.
