NEW: SADC-EAST joint efforts bring hope for an end to DRC conflict

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

The SADC-East African Community (EAC) platform that was constituted to resolve conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has to be protected by all means as it remains the only structure that is trusted by all stakeholders involved, SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi has said.

Mr Magosi said this as he was delivering his introductory remarks at the SADC virtual Extraordinary Summit that has been convened by Heads of State and Government to reflect on means to end hostilities in eastern DRC.

The conflict, pitting government forces and the armed M23 group, has resulted in the death of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of people, including women, children, those with disabilities, and the elderly.

“I wish to also highlight that the EAC-SADC engagement process must be protected and nurtured. It is probably the only structure that has brought some level of trust for both the DRC and Rwanda in recent times.

“It has also brought hope to multiple stakeholders, namely the SADC and EAC regions, the African Union Peace and Security Council, the UN Security Council, and the international community.

“We therefore must jealously guard this structure and ensure that it does not become another failed process,” said Mr Magosi.

“We must do everything in our power, as SADC especially, and ensure that this structure achieves its objectives, and that it remains credible, trusted and free from blemishes.

“Even as it interacts with Luanda and Nairobi processes and with the African Union structures, the EAC-SADC engagement process should be without reproach.”

Mr Magosi commended the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairperson and Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for successfully leading the recently held virtual Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika.

Mr Magosi is leading the SADC secretariat that is in Harare to facilitate the virtual Summit.