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Ivan Zhakata and Wallace Ruzvidzo
SADC has called for an immediate joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) to address the escalating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This follows a proposal by the 24th Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held on January 29, 2025, signalling a renewed push for regional collaboration to tackle the instability in eastern DRC.
The SADC Extraordinary Summit, convened in Harare and chaired by President Mnangagwa yesterday, underscored the need for collective engagement to find a sustainable solution to the conflict.
Announcing the agreed course of action in a communiqué, SADC executive secretary Mr Elias Magosi, said the regional bloc was dedicated to peace efforts.
“Summit called for an immediate joint Summit of SADC and East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC as proposed by the 24th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the EAC held on 29th January 2025,” he said. As part of its resolutions, the summit mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to intensify diplomatic engagement with all State and non-State actors involved in the conflict.
Mr Magosi said ceasefire efforts were of paramount importance.
“Summit mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to engage all State and non-State parties to the conflict on a ceasefire process to protect lives and facilitate a smooth flow of humanitarian support to people and communities affected by the armed conflict,” he said.
Sadc Chairperson President Mnangagwa is joined by fellow leaders for a photo session yesterday
Mr Magosi said the summit called for a coordinated approach and urged all political and diplomatic leaders involved in the conflict to engage meaningfully in dialogue.
He reaffirmed SADC’s support for existing peace initiatives.
“Summit urged political and diplomatic leaders, who are parties to the conflict, to engage in a coordinated effort of dialogue, including supporting the Luanda Process, MONUSCO and others, to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.”
SADC leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term stability, pledging ongoing support for its development and security.
“Summit reaffirmed its solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security and development,” Mr Magosi said.
The summit commended troops deployed under the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) for their dedication and resilience in peacekeeping operations.
“Summit expressed solidarity with the DRC and extended its appreciation to the men and women deployed in the SAMIDRC for their dedication, resilience and service to the preservation of peace and security in the region,” Mr Magosi said.
Recognising humanitarian efforts, the summit also praised Madagascar for pledging medical support to injured and displaced civilians in the conflict zone.
Sadc Chairperson President Mnangagwa, flanked by the regional bloc’s Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi (right) and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira (left) join other delegates in observing a moment of silence in honour of soldiers who lost their lives in Eastern DRC, recently during the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government regarding the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden yesterday
The summit further acknowledged the expression of gratitude from DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who thanked SADC for its continued support.
Additionally, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, was commended for her leadership in regional peace and security matters.
The summit also congratulated Mozambique’s newly elected President Daniel Francisco Chapo, on his election and welcomed his participation in SADC’s leadership.
It also thanked President Mnangagwa for convening the Extraordinary SADC Summit and promoting regional cooperation towards peace and stability.
“The SADC Chairperson expressed gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for attending the Summit and for their commitment and cooperation,” Mr Magosi said.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa said he was confident that the concrete decisions adopted yesterday would go a long way in propelling peace efforts.
“I am confident that the concrete decisions adopted today will further propel the ongoing joint efforts to find lasting solutions to restore peace and normalcy in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Undoubtedly, consolidating solidarity and attaining our common destiny remains a top priority for our region.
“These principles underpin the commitments we made today and are indeed the solid basis upon which the goals we have set for ourselves, will be actioned,” he said.
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina arrives at the new Parliament Building yesterday in the company of National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda (right) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira (second from left)
As masters of their own destiny, the President said SADC member states must pull out all the stops to ensure the region and Africa at large play their part on the global stage.
“It is the individual and collective duty of all member states to do much more towards permanently silencing the guns if we are to succeed in achieving these aspirations.
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