The escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), characterized by the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma and their subsequent advance into North and South Kivu, has precipitated a dire humanitarian and security emergency. This volatile situation has resulted in widespread displacement, indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians, acute food shortages, and a surge in sexual and gender-based violence, with women and children bearing the brunt of these atrocities. The escalating tensions between neighboring countries have further amplified the risk of a wider regional conflict, jeopardizing not only peace and stability in East and Southern Africa but also the region’s economic integration and cooperative endeavors. Civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Eastern and Southern Africa have issued an urgent call to action, urging the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to implement decisive measures to protect civilians, de-escalate tensions, and address the underlying causes of this protracted conflict.
The CSOs, representing a diverse range of organizations including human rights advocates, legal professionals, and peacebuilders, have emphasized the necessity for immediate intervention and strong leadership at both regional and international levels. They have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of effective mechanisms to protect civilian populations from further harm. The organizations have also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, which include deep-seated ethnic tensions, competition for resources, and the proliferation of armed groups. Furthermore, they urge a robust, coordinated humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict and to avert a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
A critical aspect of the CSOs’ appeal centers on addressing the pervasive issue of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. They contend that such language, often employed by political leaders, government officials, and media actors, has significantly exacerbated tensions, deepened mistrust, and heightened the risk of mass atrocities. The CSOs have called upon EAC and SADC leaders to publicly condemn and actively discourage divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of upholding international human rights instruments such as the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They maintain that promoting tolerance, respect for diversity, and responsible communication is crucial to de-escalating tensions and fostering a conducive environment for peacebuilding.
The CSOs have also underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts. They recognize the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process as vital frameworks for conflict resolution, but express concern over the inconsistent implementation of these agreements. They urge all parties to recommit to these processes and emphasize the need for structured, transparent, and inclusive dialogue that involves all stakeholders, including non-state armed groups. Moreover, they call for the imposition of measurable consequences for violations of peace agreements, ensuring accountability and deterring further breaches. The CSOs also advocate for the full enforcement of regional peace and security frameworks under the EAC Treaty and relevant AU protocols to bolster regional stability.
Acknowledging the swift response of African leaders through the AU, EAC, and SADC, the CSOs welcome the upcoming EAC-SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as a positive demonstration of regional commitment. However, they emphasize that given the gravity of the crisis, diplomatic efforts must translate into concrete, coordinated, and enforceable actions. These actions should not only address the immediate security concerns but also pave the way for a sustainable resolution to the conflict, addressing its root causes and promoting long-term peace and stability. The CSOs are calling for a comprehensive approach that encompasses security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs for ex-combatants, as well as initiatives to promote economic development and good governance.
In their concluding remarks, the CSOs express their unwavering solidarity with the people of the DRC and the wider region, emphasizing their commitment to working with regional and international partners to achieve a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict. They stress the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response that addresses both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the underlying political and socio-economic factors that fuel the conflict. Their call to action underscores the critical role of civil society in advocating for peace, justice, and human rights, and highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation in resolving complex conflicts. This collaborative approach, they believe, is essential to building a more stable and prosperous future for the DRC and the broader East and Southern African region.
