At the 2nd joint virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) on March 24, 2025, President Paul Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s security concerns and urged a comprehensive approach to resolving the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summit, co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, addressed the deteriorating regional security situation. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of breaching its sovereignty and backing the M23 armed group, which controls significant areas. Rwanda has denied these allegations, stating that its security measures, including border reinforcements, were necessary to counter threats from groups like the FDLR.
Kagame emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected equally among all nations. He stressed that addressing regional instability requires resolving deeper political issues and injustices affecting not only individual countries but their neighbors as well.
The summit resulted in the establishment of a Panel of Facilitators comprising five eminent individuals tasked with finding a political solution to the crisis. Additionally, military leaders from member states formulated a strategy to de-escalate hostilities and support humanitarian efforts, which was later approved by the council of ministers.
Expressing cautious optimism, Kagame acknowledged the progress made and called for collective efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. He emphasized that genuine peace can only be attained by addressing both military conflicts and the underlying political grievances fueling the crisis
