Regional leaders from Africa emphasized the importance of commitment to dialogue in finding lasting solutions to the political instability that has plagued the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for years. The heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) converged in Tanzania and highlighted the need for all parties involved to engage in constructive negotiations.
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu stated that the joint summit presents an opportunity to address security challenges facing the nations. "As active members of EAC and SADC, we have to remain resolute in our quest to see peaceful and stable regional blocs with our countries standing tall and harmoniously coexisting," she said. Suluhu noted that the ongoing armed conflict not only destabilizes the DRC but also erodes the consistent efforts to enhance regional integration.
Suluhu pledged that her country would fully support the peace efforts. "My country remains committed to supporting the ongoing diplomatic initiatives to end conflicts in eastern DRC," she said. She also called on all parties involved in the DRC conflict to engage in positive negotiations to protect the well-being of the people and commit to peaceful coexistence. Suluhu expressed confidence that the summit would yield concrete results.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa termed the meeting of the two blocs as historic, noting it is a testament to their shared commitment founded on the values of the African Union. "Such joint initiative must see us scale up bold actions to silence guns on our continent and find a lasting solution to the conflict in DRC," he said.
Mnangagwa reminded the leaders that they have a duty and collective responsibility to tackle and address various challenges impeding the realization of peace and security in DRC. "Let us seize this opportunity to ensure a coordinated response. I challenge each one of us to approach the agenda before us with openness, honesty, flexibility, and commitment to building lasting peace in DRC," he stressed.
Mnangagwa said as leaders from the two blocs, they must remain as solidly united as they were during Africa's struggle for independence from colonialism.
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu stated that the joint summit presents an opportunity to address security challenges facing the nations. "As active members of EAC and SADC, we have to remain resolute in our quest to see peaceful and stable regional blocs with our countries standing tall and harmoniously coexisting," she said. Suluhu noted that the ongoing armed conflict not only destabilizes the DRC but also erodes the consistent efforts to enhance regional integration.
Suluhu pledged that her country would fully support the peace efforts. "My country remains committed to supporting the ongoing diplomatic initiatives to end conflicts in eastern DRC," she said. She also called on all parties involved in the DRC conflict to engage in positive negotiations to protect the well-being of the people and commit to peaceful coexistence. Suluhu expressed confidence that the summit would yield concrete results.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa termed the meeting of the two blocs as historic, noting it is a testament to their shared commitment founded on the values of the African Union. "Such joint initiative must see us scale up bold actions to silence guns on our continent and find a lasting solution to the conflict in DRC," he said.
Mnangagwa reminded the leaders that they have a duty and collective responsibility to tackle and address various challenges impeding the realization of peace and security in DRC. "Let us seize this opportunity to ensure a coordinated response. I challenge each one of us to approach the agenda before us with openness, honesty, flexibility, and commitment to building lasting peace in DRC," he stressed.
Mnangagwa said as leaders from the two blocs, they must remain as solidly united as they were during Africa's struggle for independence from colonialism.
