The summit, held on February 8, 2025, focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where clashes between a coalition fighting alongside the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group continue.
Footage from the Tanzanian President's office showed Faki attending the summit's official opening alongside heads of state and representatives from various organizations.
He had been invited by Kenya's President and EAC Chairperson, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, representing a key bloc in the discussions.
However, before the summit moved into a closed session, the Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) requested Faki to leave.
A diplomat attending the summit told Kenyan Foreign Policy that Faki complied but raised concerns about who had instructed the M.C. to make the request.
Jevin Pillay Ponisamy, SADC's Ambassador to the AU, said it is customary for invited guests to leave once the closed-door discussions begin.
Although this protocol was cited, Faki's exclusion created unease among some participants, leading organizers to invite him back.
According to the diplomat, Faki initially refused to return.
The DRC government recently expressed disagreement with Faki regarding his views on security in the country's eastern region, after he suggested engaging in dialogue with a "political group with a military wing."
IGIHE
