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The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 31, 2025, to deliberate on the escalating security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and current Chairperson of SADC, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the DRC.

The summit was attended by leaders and representatives from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia. Discussions focused on the recent surge in violence, particularly attacks by the M23 armed group and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) against the Government Forces of the DRC, SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), and civilians in North Kivu province.

In his opening remarks, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need for a unified and sustainable response to the ongoing conflict. “We honour the 16 SAMIDRC troops lost to conflict and stand united for a sustainable, peaceful solution. Together, we will protect regional stability,” he stated.

Condemnation of Attacks and Call for Action: The summit strongly condemned the recent attacks, stating that they violated the ceasefire brokered under the Luanda Process on July 30, 2024. Leaders expressed their condolences to the affected nations, including the DRC, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, for the loss of their soldiers in the recent clashes in Sake, Eastern DRC. The summit also called for immediate action to restore essential services such as water, electricity, and supply lines for food and humanitarian aid in the affected areas.

To address the worsening security and humanitarian situation, the summit resolved to:

  • Dispatch defence ministers, chiefs of defence, and representatives of troop-contributing countries to the DRC to assess the situation and ensure the safety of SAMIDRC forces.
  • Call for a joint SADC-East African Community (EAC) summit to chart a collective response to the security crisis.
  • Engage both state and non-state actors in ceasefire negotiations to facilitate humanitarian assistance and peace-building efforts.
  • Encourage continued diplomatic efforts through the Luanda and Nairobi Processes to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Regional Solidarity and Diplomatic Efforts: The summit reiterated its unwavering support for the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the importance of sustained regional cooperation in tackling the crisis. SADC leaders extended their appreciation to SAMIDRC troops for their dedication to peacekeeping efforts and commended Madagascar for pledging medical support to those injured and displaced by the violence.

His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the DRC, expressed gratitude for SADC’s continued assistance in addressing the security challenges facing his nation. The summit also acknowledged and congratulated Mozambique’s newly elected President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on his election and welcomed his participation in the regional discussions.

Strengthening Regional Security Mechanisms: The summit praised Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, for her leadership in steering regional peace efforts. Additionally, President Mnangagwa was commended for convening the extraordinary summit, reinforcing SADC’s role in maintaining peace and security within the region.

With firm resolutions in place, SADC leaders pledged continued collaboration to end hostilities in the DRC and promote long-term stability across the region.

[As reported by SADC News]

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