EAC and SADC Join Forces to Restore Stability in Eastern DRC

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a crucial step toward addressing the escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have joined forces to forge a coordinated strategy aimed at restoring peace and stability.

The Joint Meeting of Ministers from both regional blocs convened on March 17 in Harare, Zimbabwe, following directives from their earlier summit on February 8.

The urgency of the situation was palpable, with high-ranking officials from multiple member states in attendance, determined to find a path forward amid the worsening security crisis.

At the heart of the discussion was a report from the Joint Chiefs of Defence, which painted a grim picture: the resurgence of armed groups—most notably the M23—has led to the occupation of key territories, including the strategic provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu.

The fallout has been devastating. Tens of thousands have been displaced, humanitarian access has been severely disrupted, and crucial infrastructure—including Goma and Kavumu airports—remains at risk.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the recent decision by the SADC Summit on March 13 to terminate the SAMIDRC mission has created concerns over a potential security vacuum.

Ministers at the Harare meeting acknowledged the need for a carefully managed withdrawal to prevent further destabilization. To that end, a roadmap has been developed, and structured into immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures aimed at stabilizing the region.

Within the next month, the EAC-SADC coalition will initiate direct military engagement to enforce an unconditional ceasefire.
Reopening Goma and Kavumu airports is also high on the agenda to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. To ensure accountability, a Joint EAC-SADC Verification Mechanism will be deployed to monitor compliance with ceasefire agreements.

In addition, a Joint Field Technical Assessment Team—comprising military strategists, intelligence experts, logistical coordinators, and humanitarian specialists—will be sent to North and South Kivu to assess conditions on the ground and determine the most immediate needs.

Beyond the first month, the focus will shift toward building trust and strengthening diplomatic efforts. Under a unified EAC-SADC framework, regional leaders will engage all conflict parties in negotiations to secure a permanent ceasefire. There are also plans to formally request the United Nations to bolster MONUSCO’s mandate, reinforcing peacekeeping efforts.

Coordination between security forces from both regional blocs will be intensified, ensuring a more cohesive response to armed threats and fostering stability in affected territories. The involvement of local communities and regional stakeholders is also being prioritized, as sustainable peace will require more than just military intervention—it will demand a commitment to long-term reconciliation.

The ultimate goal is to restore the Congolese government’s authority in previously occupied regions, strengthen national security forces, and address the deep-seated issues fueling the conflict.
This will involve ambitious socio-economic initiatives, infrastructure reconstruction projects, and political reconciliation efforts to mend divisions that have festered for decades.

At the diplomatic level, Ministers emphasized the need to consolidate ongoing peace processes. The decision was made to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace tracks under the oversight of the African Union, streamlining negotiations into a single, cohesive effort.

To formalize this approach, the EAC and SADC Secretariats have been tasked with finalizing a political framework by March 25.
Additionally, urgent discussions with the African Union and other key stakeholders are set to take place by March 31 to fast-track the peace process.

A crucial element of this strategy is the expansion of the Panel of Facilitators to include representatives from diverse linguistic and gender backgrounds, ensuring a more inclusive approach to mediation efforts.

To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Technical Coordination Mechanism will be established by March 25. This body will oversee progress, provide technical support, and align efforts with the African Union Commission and international partners.

Specialized committees focused on politics, security, peacekeeping, and defense will work together to drive the mission forward.
Another significant outcome of the meeting was the review of a draft Memorandum of Understanding between EAC and SADC, aimed at institutionalizing their collaboration on security matters in the DRC.
Member states have until April 14 to submit final amendments before senior officials hold a virtual session to approve the agreement.

The Harare meeting underscored a critical truth: restoring peace in eastern DRC requires more than just military operations—it demands a multi-pronged approach that integrates political, humanitarian, and development strategies.

While the immediate priority is halting violence and mitigating the humanitarian crisis, long-term success will hinge on regional unity and sustained international support.

For the millions of people in eastern DRC caught in the crossfire, these commitments offer a glimmer of hope. The coming weeks and months will be decisive in determining whether this joint strategy can turn the tide and pave the way for lasting peace.