During the 23rd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in Burundi, African leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure peace and security on the continent, which are essential for the economic development agenda. Kenyan President William Ruto stated, « We must silence the guns » to combat the conflicts and instability that hinder trade and investment. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also stressed the need to focus on security challenges. The summit provided an opportunity to discuss conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and other regions, with the aim of protecting civilians.
