DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Regional leaders from East and Southern Africa have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that continued conflict threatens the stability of the entire region.
During a high-level summit in Dar es Salaam, Kenya’s President William Ruto, who co-chaired the meeting alongside Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized that the long-running conflict in eastern DRC requires urgent diplomatic intervention.
“The humanitarian crisis in the DRC has reached alarming levels,” Ruto said. “Millions have been displaced, thousands have lost their lives, and entire communities are living under the constant threat of violence. The only viable solution is an immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue.”
The summit, jointly organized by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), sought to unify regional efforts in tackling the crisis.
Leaders urged all armed groups, particularly M23 rebels and the Congolese military, to halt hostilities and engage in negotiations.
Ruto warned against military solutions, arguing that the crisis—rooted in historical, economic, and political grievances—can only be resolved through diplomacy.
“We cannot bomb our way to peace,” he stated. “A comprehensive diplomatic approach that includes regional states, international partners, and civil society is the only path to lasting stability.”
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, condemning external influences that have exacerbated tensions.
Ruto also called for greater support from the international community, stressing that regional efforts alone would not be enough to bring lasting peace.
With millions in need of humanitarian aid, including those affected by gender-based violence and child recruitment by armed groups, the summit called on global partners to step up support for relief efforts.
In a move to streamline peace efforts, the leaders proposed consolidating previous initiatives, including the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, under a single EAC-SADC framework.
Ruto suggested the creation of a dedicated secretariat to coordinate diplomatic interventions and monitor ceasefire agreements.
“The time for action is now,” Ruto said. “The future of millions depends on our ability to act decisively, prioritize peace, and support the Congolese people in their quest for stability.”
The joint summit marks one of the most coordinated regional responses to the DRC crisis in recent years, with leaders vowing to sustain diplomatic pressure to prevent further escalation.
As discussions continue, all eyes will be on whether warring factions heed the call for peace.
