Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for renewed and concerted efforts to address the worsening humanitarian and security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He emphasized that the situation remains fragile, with escalating conflict evolving into threats such as sexual exploitation, abuse, gender-based violence as a weapon of war, illicit resource trafficking and the erosion of state institutions.
Speaking in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he co-chaired the joint ministerial meeting between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mudavadi highlighted the need for urgent intervention.
The meeting reviewed progress on the implementation of resolutions adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam in February 2025 regarding the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
“The directive by the Heads of State and Government to merge the Luanda and Nairobi processes calls for EAC and SADC to accelerate a unified process to prevent duplication of efforts and focus on a common goal. We must fast-track immediate, medium, and long-term measures, including resource and financial mobilization to support the peace process,” Mudavadi stated.
He expressed concern over the persistent presence of illegal armed groups, both local and foreign, which continue to fuel insecurity and displace populations.
Mudavadi underscored the urgency of bringing all parties to the negotiation table, arguing that dialogue is the only viable path toward sustainable peace in the DRC.
“The escalating humanitarian toll necessitates urgent regional and international intervention to prevent further suffering and displacement. We must consolidate and adopt key resolutions before the situation spirals further out of control,” he added.
“A cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire are imperative as a precursor to ongoing peace initiatives since all warring factions must be willing to engage in dialogue for a lasting solution.”
Monday’s ministerial meeting deliberated on reports by the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence following the Nairobi and Dar es Salaam meetings and addressed other outstanding issues concerning sustainable peace and security in eastern DRC.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s position, advocating for a non-partisan, non-coercive, and collective process driven by diplomatic and political initiatives led by African leadership.
“As we look ahead, we must establish mechanisms where African problems are addressed through African-led solutions. Many countries outside Africa are increasingly prioritizing their own affairs, and this is a wake-up call for the continent to take charge of its challenges,” he observed.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC while minimizing external influence, such as the involvement of mercenaries and foreign militaries.
He also cautioned against unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations against Rwanda, arguing that such actions undermine regional organizations, including the African Union (AU), EAC, SADC and the United Nations (UN).
Mudavadi acknowledged the role of the international community in supporting regional and continental peace initiatives but insisted that assistance should align with the framework established under the ongoing initiative.
He urged ministers to endorse the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2773, adopted on February 21, 2025, which backs regional efforts led by the AU, EAC, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and SADC, particularly under the Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes.
He further highlighted the AU’s request to establish a Joint AU/EAC/SADC Coordination Mechanism to provide technical support, enhance coordination, and complement the Luanda and Nairobi Processes in collaboration with other regional economic communities and mechanisms.
“I commend the African Union for endorsing the Communiqué of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam; the Communiqué of the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC on January 31, 2025; and the Communiqué of the 24th Extraordinary Summit of the East African Community Heads of State on January 29, 2025. We are looking to the AU for support, particularly in resource mobilization and mechanisms to access peace funds to sustain the process,” Mudavadi stated.
The Harare meeting resolved to expedite the appointment of an expanded panel of facilitators to advance the ongoing peace process.
Names of former African leaders, including ex-presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, were proposed to spearhead regional peace efforts.
Additionally, there was a call to include a fourth facilitator from the SADC bloc, specifically a female leader, to ensure gender balance ahead of ratification by the Heads of State Summit scheduled for March 31, 2025.
