EAC Leaders Call for Peace in Eastern Congo

During the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) in Arusha, Tanzania, leaders emphasized the need for a unified approach to peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for the merger of the Nairobi Process and the Luanda Process. The summit was marked by the absence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and the early departure of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, raising concerns about regional cooperation. Despite a U.S. and Angola-brokered truce that has decreased some violence, tensions remain high, particularly with accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebel group. Newly appointed EAC chairperson, President William Ruto of Kenya, highlighted the importance of enhancing regional trade and economic competitiveness as part of the peace efforts. The summit underscored the need for collaboration between the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in addressing the DRC crisis, with a follow-up meeting mandated by April 30, 2025. The ongoing conflict remains one of the world's longest and most complex, complicating the prospects for sustainable peace in the region.