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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24111, member: 2262"] African Leaders Push for Joint Summit to Address DR Congo Crisis. African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Dr Moussa Faki Mahamat endorsed recent decisions by regional bodies to address the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through a unified approach. The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) plan to hold a joint summit to find peace in the region. This move aligns with the AU's stance on resolving the crisis that has caused widespread displacement and loss of life. Dr Mahamat expressed support for this initiative on X, noting that these recommendations match the AU's long-standing call for political dialogue through the AU-led Luanda and Nairobi processes. SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa led an Extraordinary Summit in Harare last Friday. SADC executive secretary Elias Magosi announced the regional body's commitment to peace efforts and called for immediate joint talks between SADC and EAC leadership. The summit tasked the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation with strengthening diplomatic engagement with all parties involved in the conflict. Magosi emphasized the importance of establishing a ceasefire to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid delivery. The EAC's separate Extraordinary Summit, held last Wednesday, also proposed joint discussions. They mandated Kenya's President William Ruto to consult with President Mnangagwa about organizing urgent talks. President Mnangagwa highlighted the limited progress in peace efforts since November's summit, citing escalating hostilities and recent attacks on peacekeepers in Goma. These attacks resulted in casualties among SAMIDRC and MONUSCO forces. "The people of eastern DRC have suffered for far lengthy periods," President Mnangagwa stated. He emphasized the SADC's dedication to protecting citizens from instability in accordance with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact. The regional bodies pledged continued support for existing peace initiatives, including the Luanda Process and MONUSCO operations. They reaffirmed their commitment to DR Congo's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stable future. [/QUOTE]

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