### Report of the SADC-EAC meeting: consequences and perspectives for the DRC
The recent cancellation of the Reunion of Foreign Affairs of the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC) and the Eastern African Community (EAC), initially planned in Harare, underlines the political complexities of the region and the growing challenges it faces. This meeting, which was not held on February 28, 2025, illustrates not only logistical questions, but also a lack of cohesion and communication which could have dramatic repercussions on peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
#### Context and implications
Following the spouse of SADC and EAC in Dar-Es-Salaam, it was ordered that the ministers meet to assess the report of the heads of the defense forces on the cease-fire in force in the east of the DRC. The expectations were high: the meeting had to formalize a roadmap for peace, a vital aspect in a context where the violence of the armed groups, including the M23, continues to disrupt the life of civilians.
The absence of an official invitation, according to Rwandan sources, is symptomatic of a laxity that could cost expensive. The EAC president and other member countries, such as Kenya, testify to increasing frustration in the face of this situation. For the international community, in particular the European Union, this is a failed opportunity to better understand the dynamics on the ground and directly influence the resolution of the conflicts which ravage the region.
#### Analysis of the factors at stake
The unmits of this meeting highlights several factors:
1. ** Absence of coherent leadership **: Zimbabwe, host of Reunion, is both a key player in the process and a division symbol. Its ability to bring together the nations of the region is put to the test by its own internal challenges, in particular questions of governance and political legitimacy.
2. ** lack of coordination between the Member States **: The need for an official invitation raises the question of intergovernmental cooperation. Without effective communication, peace progress is hampered. This is particularly worrying for countries like the DRC, which are already suffering from the consequences of decision -making ineffectiveness.
3. ** External pressure and international evaluation **: While discussions mainly concern the neighbors of the DRC, international actors play a crucial role in the smooth running of peace processes. The European Union, for example, seeks not only to influence the evolution of the situation, but also to impose measures according to the results, which could in reality further complicate reconciliation efforts if they are perceived as interference.
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The postponement of this meeting should encourage the member countries of SADC and EAC to rethink their approach in terms of regional diplomacy. First, an emphasis must be placed on establishing it a more fluid communication platform between governments. In an interconnected world, digital tools, such as videoconferencing platforms, could facilitate organizational issues and ensure that the necessary decisions are made in use.
Second, it is crucial that the DRC is at the center of these discussions. Indeed, its vulnerability in the face of armed groups requires a collective and coordinated response from neighboring African countries. Leaders must show pragmatism by going beyond their historic rivalries to unite against a common threat.
Finally, the international community, in particular the European Union, must be careful not to position itself as an intrusive actor, but rather as a facilitating partner. The legitimacy of the peace processes must come from the regional actors themselves, in order to avoid a return to dynamics of dependence or mistrust.
#### Conclusion
The postponement of the meeting of the SADC and EAC Foreign Affairs Ministers is a sad reminder of the incredible challenges facing the African nations. The need for a quick and coordinated response to the crisis in the DRC has never been so critical. By consolidating their cooperation, the nations of this region can not only work for a sustainable resolution of conflicts, but also strengthening their position on the international scene as entities capable of shaping their own future. Faced with the challenges of security and human dignity, it is imperative to act quickly and effectively.
For the moment, the world is waiting to see if these dynamics will evolve favorably or if they will bang even deeper into the dead end.