Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have agreed to restart direct talks with both government and non-government groups, including the M23 rebel group, to help resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. 

The negotiations are to be held under the framework of the Luanda/Nairobi process.

The joint summit of Heads of State and Government held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, today also directed that modalities for the withdrawal of invited foreign armed forces from the territory of the DRC be developed and implemented.

Ministers of Defence Forces from the two regional blocs have further been directed to meet and provide technical direction on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. 

They also need to open main supply routes, including the Goma-Sake-Bukavu route, the Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Kalengera routes, and the reopening of the Goma Airport.