Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has firmly emphasized that there is no rivalry between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His remarks, made during the conclusion of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, came amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, which has claimed numerous lives and sparked a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting women and children.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, reiterated the collaborative efforts of the two regional blocs in formulating a comprehensive strategy to resolve the DRC conflict. “Let’s not view this as a competition between two regional blocs. The war is not between the EAC and SADC; there is no competition between them. It is a matter of harmonizing processes,” he stressed. He further clarified that both blocs are united in their mission to bring peace and stability to the DRC, focusing on collective action to prevent the conflict from worsening.
The partnership between the EAC and SADC has been evident in the integration of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. These initiatives, according to Mudavadi, complement each other in addressing the complexities of the DRC conflict. The Nairobi Process focuses on intra-state dialogue, bringing together various armed groups, including the M23 rebel group, to foster peace through direct negotiations. In contrast, the Luanda Process addresses interstate relations, primarily involving the DRC and Rwanda, in a bid to resolve their longstanding tensions.
Mudavadi’s statements highlight a coordinated and holistic approach by both regional organizations, which have recognized that the conflict in Eastern DRC affects both their territories. The Joint Summit held in Dar es Salaam reflected this cooperation, underscoring the commitment of both blocs to restore peace in the DRC and protect the region from further destabilization.
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of dialogue, urging the resumption of direct negotiations with all state and non-state actors involved, including the M23, under the frameworks of the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The two regional blocs aim to ensure that all parties engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Congolese people.
In conclusion, Mudavadi’s remarks reinforce the shared responsibility of the EAC and SADC in managing the DRC crisis, as both organizations strive toward a peaceful and stable solution for the country and the broader region.
