Tanzania’s Suluhu Calls for Urgent Action on DR Congo Crisis at EAC-SADC Summit

As regional leaders, history will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day - Samia Suluhu

Dar es Salaam – Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged regional leaders to take decisive action to address the escalating security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), warning that history will judge them harshly if they remain passive.

Speaking at the opening of the Joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025, President Suluhu emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the long-running conflict that has devastated civilian populations and threatened regional stability.

"As regional leaders, history will judge us harshly if we remain still and watch the situation worsen day by day," Suluhu said.

"In line with the principle of African solutions for Africa’s problems, our countries have a collective responsibility to ensure we urgently address the existing security challenges that have heavily impacted the well-being of innocent civilians."

The summit, attended by leaders from across the continent, seeks to reinforce a regional commitment to resolving the conflict in DR Congo through diplomatic and political means.

Suluhu called for a solution that upholds the country’s sovereignty while ensuring inclusivity and long-term stability.

"It is crucial that we find a durable solution that upholds sovereignty, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that the people of DR Congo can enjoy the durable peace and security that they have been yearning for, for decades," she stressed.

Tanzania, a longtime advocate for regional peace, remains deeply concerned about the ongoing insecurity in DR Congo, Suluhu added, noting that the conflict is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a major setback to regional integration efforts.

She reaffirmed her country’s support for ongoing diplomatic initiatives and urged all parties involved in the conflict to engage in meaningful negotiations.

"The ongoing conflict not only destabilizes our brotherly nation but also puts serious dents on our consistent efforts to enhance regional integration," she said.

"My country remains committed to supporting ongoing diplomatic initiatives to end this conflict, and so we call on all parties involved to positively engage in negotiations, prioritize the well-being of the people, and commit to a peaceful co-existence."

The summit comes at a critical time, with violence in eastern DR Congo intensifying despite multiple peace efforts.

The joint meeting of EAC and SADC leaders aims to merge existing peace initiatives, including the Luanda and Nairobi processes, and provide a unified strategy to bring lasting stability to the region.

With mounting pressure for concrete action, the focus now shifts to whether regional leaders will translate their commitments into tangible steps that can bring relief to the people of DR Congo and prevent further escalation of the crisis.