Lusaka, Zambia – 25 March 2025
Last night, Zambia took part in the historic Second Joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Virtual Heads of State Summit, convened to tackle the escalating security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The high-stakes meeting underscored the urgency of regional cooperation in securing peace and stability in the DRC.
The Summit was co-chaired by His Excellency President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, Chairperson of the EAC, and His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Chairperson of SADC. Among the key outcomes of the Summit was the formation of a high-profile mediation panel tasked with driving peace talks and reconciliation efforts.
Panel of Eminent Facilitators Appointed to Lead Mediation Efforts
The Joint Summit established a distinguished panel of African leaders to spearhead mediation efforts in the DRC. The panel includes:
✅ Gen. Olusugun Obasanjo – Former President of Nigeria
✅ Uhuru Kenyatta – Former President of Kenya
✅ Kgalema Motlanthe – Former President of South Africa
✅ Sahle-Work Zewde – Former President of Ethiopia
✅ Catherine Samba-Panza – Former President of the Central African Republic
This powerhouse of experienced African statespersons is expected to provide strategic leadership and diplomatic guidance in resolving the conflict.
Key Decisions and Next Steps
➡️ The Summit reviewed the comprehensive report from the Joint EAC-SADC Ministerial Meeting held on 17th March 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
➡️ The Co-Chairs have been directed to convene a briefing session with the Panel of Facilitators within seven days in collaboration with the African Union (AU).
➡️ The Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC, stressing the importance of regional solidarity in fostering long-term peace and stability.
President Hichilema Reaffirms Zambia’s Commitment to Regional Peace
Speaking after the Summit, President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s unwavering support for diplomatic solutions and peaceful resolutions in the DRC.
“Zambia remains fully committed to supporting the mediation efforts and working alongside our regional partners to secure lasting peace and stability in the DRC. Our collective strength as a continent lies in unity and collaboration,” said President Hichilema.
🌍 A Strong Step Towards African-Led Solutions
The Summit’s outcomes reflect a renewed spirit of African unity and a strategic push for African-led solutions to African challenges. The formation of the high-powered mediation panel signals a shift toward proactive, home-grown conflict resolution mechanisms.
The successful implementation of these measures will not only stabilise the DRC but also strengthen economic and political ties across the region — a testament to the power of collective African leadership.
👉 Stay tuned for more updates on Zambia’s role in advancing peace and stability in the DRC.
