The Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Korir Sing’oei has highlighted the importance of a united regional effort to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
His remarks came after the Extra-Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State convened on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to address the escalating crisis caused by the M23 rebel attacks in Goma.
The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of eight partner states: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Its headquarters are located in Arusha, Tanzania.
In a statement shared via his X account on Thursday, January 30, 2025, PS Sing’oei emphasized the importance of the summit in advancing regional cooperation toward peace.
“The holding of the extraordinary summit of EAC Heads of States Summit on DRC represents a coherent regional pursuit towards the restoration of peace and order in Eastern DRC. Though held under difficult circumstances, the resolve of the leaders to forge forward with a joint EAC-SADC summit on the matter must be supported by all actors of goodwill,” he stated.
The holding of the extra ordinary summit of EAC Heads of States Summit on DRC represents a coherent regional pursuit towards restoration of peace and order in Eastern DRC. Though held under difficult circumstances, the resolve of the leaders to forge forward with a joint EAC-SADC… https://t.co/cNKgWV3aWU
— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) January 30, 2025
The virtual summit was chaired by President William Ruto, who is currently serving as the EAC chair. The meeting was held while President Ruto was on a two-day State visit to Egypt.
President Ruto was joined by six regional heads of state, including Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud (Somalia), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), and Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi).
Summit’s key resolutions
The leaders extended their condolences to the families of those affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. They also wished a swift recovery to individuals injured during the unrest.
The summit expressed alarm over increasing violence targeting diplomatic missions, embassies, and personnel in Kinshasa. The DRC government was urged to enhance the protection of diplomatic facilities, personnel, and property.
All parties involved in the eastern DRC conflict were urged to halt hostilities immediately and unconditionally. They were also called upon to enable humanitarian agencies to access and assist affected populations.
The leaders emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. They urged the DRC government to engage directly with all relevant stakeholders, including the M23 rebel group and other armed factions, to address grievances and seek solutions.
Acknowledging the involvement of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing the eastern DRC crisis, the summit proposed a joint EAC-SADC summit to chart a unified way forward. The EAC chairperson was tasked with consulting their SADC counterpart to organize this meeting in the coming days.
