Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged for immediate and concerted efforts to address the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking in Harare, Zimbabwe, during a joint ministerial meeting between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mudavadi emphasized the need for swift intervention to curb the worsening situation.
The meeting reviewed the progress on resolutions adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam in February 2025, focusing on the deteriorating conditions in the DRC. Mudavadi highlighted the fragile security environment, noting the presence of illegal armed groups, sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, illicit resource trafficking, and the erosion of state institutions.
“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 approach to avoid duplication and work towards a common goal,” Mudavadi stated. He stressed the importance of mobilizing financial and logistical resources to support the peace process.
Mudavadi underscored the necessity of bringing all conflicting parties to the negotiating table, asserting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue. He called for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities as a prerequisite for peace initiatives.
Monday’s meeting also reviewed reports from the EAC-SADC Chiefs of Defence following discussions in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s stance on a non-partisan, diplomatic resolution, advocating for African-led solutions to African problems.
He cautioned against Western-imposed unilateral sanctions on Rwanda, arguing that such actions undermine regional organizations, including the African Union (AU), EAC, SADC, and the United Nations (UN). He called for alignment with the framework established under ongoing mediation efforts.
Mudavadi urged support for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2773, which backs regional peace efforts. He also endorsed the African Union’s request to establish a Joint AU/EAC/SADC Coordination Mechanism to enhance technical support and coordination in the peace process.
The meeting resolved to expedite the appointment of an expanded panel of facilitators, including former leaders Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Hailemariam Desalegn. A fourth facilitator from the SADC bloc, specifically a female leader, was also proposed to ensure gender balance in the mediation process ahead of a March 31, 2025, Heads of State Summit.
