BREAKING: Tensions flared in Dar es Salaam as African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki was asked to leave the closed-door EAC-SADC leaders’ summit on the escalating eastern DRC crisis.

 By : Bwire Jonathan: The crown media East Africa 

The expulsion of African Union Commission (AUC) Chair Moussa Faki from the closed-door session of the EAC-SADC Joint Summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025, marks a significant diplomatic controversy amid efforts to resolve the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the incident and its implications:

1. The Incident: Faki’s Removal and Its Aftermath

Unexpected Ejection: Faki, invited as AU Commission Chair and guarantor of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, was asked to leave the closed-door meeting by the Master of Ceremony (MC) just before private deliberations began. The instruction’s origin remains unclear, though Kenyan President William Ruto (EAC chair) had extended his initial invitation .  

Failed Reinvitation: Summit organizers later attempted to reinvite Faki, but he refused to return, calling the episode a “diplomatic blunder” 

Symbolic Snub: His removal occurred during a high-stakes summit focused on the M23 rebel advance in eastern DRC, where regional leaders sought to align strategies. The AU, as the overarching body for EAC and SADC, plays a central role in continental peace efforts, making Faki’s exclusion especially contentious .

2. Context of the Summit

Escalating DRC Crisis**: The summit aimed to address the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma and their march toward Bukavu, displacing thousands and worsening a decades-long humanitarian crisis. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda denies involvement and cites security threats from Hutu militias .  

Regional Divisions: EAC (led by Kenya) and SADC (led by Zimbabwe) have diverged in their approaches. EAC emphasizes dialogue, while SADC supports military intervention, reflecting Kinshasa’s preference for SADC-backed forces over EAC peacekeepers .  

AU’s Prior Support: Days earlier, Faki had praised the joint summit as aligning with AU-led peace processes, underscoring the irony of his exclusion .

3. Implications of Faki’s Exclusion

Fragmented Diplomacy: The incident highlights tensions between regional blocs and the AU, raising concerns about coordination in peace efforts. Faki’s absence risks weakening AU-EAC-SADC collaboration, critical for addressing cross-border conflicts .  

Undermined Peace Processes: The Luanda and Nairobi processes, central to resolving the DRC crisis, rely on AU oversight. Faki’s removal could stall progress, especially as M23 continues its advance .  

Political Mistrust: The episode reflects deeper rifts among African leaders. Rwandan President Paul Kagame had earlier criticized EAC’s “disjointed” approach, while DRC’s Tshisekedi accused EAC of siding with rebels .

4. Broader Regional and International Reactions

UN Involvement: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, attending a parallel AU summit, called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized diplomacy over military solutions .  

International Scrutiny: The ICC is monitoring human rights abuses in eastern DRC, while the U.S. warned of sanctions against Rwandan and Congolese officials if violence persists .  

Tanzania’s Mediation Role: As host, Tanzania sought to leverage its neutral reputation, but the incident underscores the challenges of bridging regional divides .

5. What Comes Next?

Summit Outcomes: Leaders proposed reopening Goma’s airport for aid and a coordinated ceasefire, but Faki’s exclusion casts doubt on implementation .  

AU’s Next Moves: The AU may seek to reassert its authority through emergency meetings or revised mediation frameworks.  

Humanitarian Urgency: With over 2,000 killed in Goma and aid workers targeted, delays in unified action risk further catastrophe .

Conclusion

The expulsion of Moussa Faki underscores the fragility of African multilateralism amid crises. While the summit aimed to unify EAC and SADC strategies, internal discord and competing interests threaten to derail peace efforts. As the DRC crisis intensifies, regional leaders must prioritize collaboration over division to avert a wider conflict.