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Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has joined heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in a high-level virtual meeting aimed at addressing the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The summit, held on March 25, 2025, brought together regional leaders to discuss solutions to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has displaced millions and fueled a humanitarian catastrophe.
Co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto, Chairperson of the EAC, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chairperson of SADC, the meeting focused on the deteriorating security situation and the urgent need for coordinated regional action. Prime Minister Barre emphasized Somalia’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the DRC, calling for a comprehensive approach that involves all conflicting parties, the United Nations, and the African Union.
In his remarks, Barre highlighted the regional responsibility to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further suffering among civilians caught in the conflict. “The crisis in the DRC is a shared challenge that requires collective action. Somalia stands in solidarity with the people of Congo and supports efforts to achieve sustainable peace,” he stated.
The summit resulted in the formation of a high-level mediation committee composed of five former presidents tasked with spearheading efforts to resolve the conflict. The committee includes former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde. This initiative signals a renewed commitment by regional leaders to tackle the DRC’s prolonged instability and restore peace in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been fueled by a complex mix of ethnic tensions, competition over natural resources, and the presence of armed groups, including the notorious M23 rebel group. The violence has displaced over 400,000 people in the past year alone, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The humanitarian impact has been devastating, with millions in need of urgent assistance and widespread food insecurity exacerbating the crisis.
Regional leaders at the summit underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including governance deficits, resource exploitation, and the proliferation of armed groups. They also called for increased international support to bolster peacekeeping efforts and provide humanitarian aid to affected communities.
Somalia’s participation in the summit reflects its growing role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to promoting stability across Africa. Prime Minister Barre’s call for an inclusive peace strategy aligns with Somalia’s own experiences in navigating complex security challenges and underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing shared threats.
The international community has welcomed the outcomes of the summit, with organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union pledging support for the mediation committee’s efforts. The success of these initiatives will depend on the willingness of conflicting parties to engage in dialogue and the ability of regional leaders to implement sustainable solutions.
As the mediation committee begins its mission, all eyes are on the DRC and the broader region to see whether these efforts will lead to lasting peace. The summit serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of African nations and the need for collective action in addressing the continent’s challenges.