EAC, SADC ministers meet in Harare to discuss escalating crisis in eastern DRC

EAC, SADC ministers meet in Harare to discuss escalating crisis in eastern DRC

One of the key issue that will be discussed is the appointment of the three co-facilitators named by President William Ruto to push the peace processes forward.

Ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are convening in Harare to address the escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This meeting follows SADC's recent decision to initiate a phased withdrawal of its troops from the mineral-rich region, highlighting the urgency of diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability.

The joint EAC-SADC ministerial session is co-chaired by Prof Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers, and Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who also serves as the joint chair of the EAC-SADC Council of Ministers.

This meeting builds upon previous discussions from the February 8 summit in Dar es Salaam, where leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern DRC.

The ministers aim to refine a political roadmap under the merged Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, seeking sustainable solutions to the ongoing conflict.

The urgency of these discussions is heightened by recent developments, including the M23 rebels' capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, leading to significant casualties among peace enforcers and civilians.

The region continues to face a complex humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced due to ongoing violence.

One of the key issue that will be discussed is the appointment of the three co-facilitators named by President William Ruto to push the peace processes forward.

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