MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre took part in a virtual joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday evening.
The high-level discussions focused on the security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as regional leaders sought collaborative solutions to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
In his address, Prime Minister Barre emphasized the collective responsibility of African nations to work together in resolving the crisis.
He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to supporting regional peace efforts and stressed the need for unified action to restore stability in the eastern DRC, where violence has displaced thousands and exacerbated humanitarian concerns.
The summit, which brought together heads of state and government officials from across the EAC and SADC member states, aimed at expediting peace initiatives in the DRC.
Leaders discussed the urgent need for diplomatic and security interventions to curb the persistent violence and ensure a lasting resolution.
As part of the resolutions adopted, the summit agreed to appoint an expanded panel of five facilitators tasked with advancing the peace process. The newly designated facilitators include:
- Uhuru Kenyatta – Former President of Kenya
- Olusegun Obasanjo – Former President of Nigeria
- Kgalema Motlanthe – Former President of South Africa
- Sahle-Work Zewde – President of Ethiopia
- Catherine Samba-Panza – Former President of the Central African Republic
The expanded panel is expected to engage with stakeholders, including warring factions, civil society, and international partners, to foster dialogue and push for sustainable peace agreements.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has drawn increasing international concern, with armed groups continuing to threaten the stability of the region.
The involvement of both EAC and SADC in addressing the crisis underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to bring about a lasting resolution.
Prime Minister Barre reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to regional security and cooperation, highlighting that a peaceful and stable DRC would contribute to the overall security and economic development of the African continent.
