The Joint Summit reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC territory, with leaders emphasising respect for the country’s sovereignty and

Shuluhu also called on all parties involved in the DRC conflict to positively engage in negotiations to protect the well-being of the people and commit to peaceful coexistence. She was confident that the summit would yield concrete results.

The M23 rebels last week captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo - the worst escalation of fighting in more than a decade that has left thousands dead. Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire, they have continued to march south towards the city of Bukavu.

With continued violence threatening the region’s stability, the success of the EAC-SADC peace efforts remains crucial. The coming weeks will be key in determining whether the ceasefire

The Heads of State from the EAC and SADC have resolved to meet yearly to review the progress on their efforts to broker peace in the war-ravaged eastern DRC. In a meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Saturday, the leaders said the meetings are aimed at discussing matters of mutual interest to the regional blocs.

Congo's leader Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, who have exchanged fiery words blaming each other's governments for the upsurge in violence, agreed to attend the summit, although Tshisekedi called in remotely, sources said.

DAR ES SALAAM: THE President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has arrived in Dar es Salaam to participate in the Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

A statement by the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation ministry said yesterday that the summit will further discuss and come up with resolutions to the issue as the DRC is a member of both the SADC and the EAC.