Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) chief executive Ambassador Kwame Muzavazi (left) shows the Josiah Magama Tongogara artefacts to East African Community (EAC) Executive Secretary Veronica Nduva (second from left) and her delegation on a tour of the Museum of African Liberation in Harare yesterday.— Picture: Edward Zvemisha 
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
AS violence continues unabated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), African regional blocs are intensifying efforts to find a lasting solution, relying on home-grown strategies rather than international interventions.
The renewed push for a unified African-led approach signals a shift away from external involvement, with hopes that regional leadership will finally bring peace to the resource-rich but war-torn nation.
This was revealed in Harare yesterday during a tour of Liberation City, which houses the Museum of African Liberation, by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat Executive.
EAC Executive Secretary, Veronica Nduva, said: “We just concluded a very good ministerial meeting between EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the situation in the DRC.”
Speaking on the ongoing crisis, EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Ariik stressed the need for collaboration between regional organisations, adding that the key to peace lies with the Congolese people themselves.
He said the conflict, driven by a mix of national, regional, and international players, remains complex.
“The problem in the DRC is not only Congolese. It has so many players, national players, regional players, and international players. So, it’s a bit complicated, but the way forward is for the Congolese to come together, discuss their issues, and reach an agreement.
“We don’t expect solutions to come from the international community. African problems must be addressed by Africans, and in this case, the Congolese must talk to each other and find a solution,” Mr Ariik said.
He said their duty was to facilitate discussions among Congolese groups.
“Our duty is also to be there as guarantors as they build trust among themselves.”
Mr Ariik acknowledged that while the conflict in the DRC has persisted for a long time, regional blocs remain committed to addressing it.
“EAC is trying, SADC is trying, but now we have decided to merge our efforts and work together, because our focus is on stabilising the security situation in the DRC, and our leaders are determined to resolve the problem,” he said.
While SADC and EAC have previously operated independently in peacekeeping and mediation efforts in the DRC, officials now believe a joint approach will be more effective.
The conflict, pitting DRC government forces against the armed M23 group, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, including women, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
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