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Sadc chairperson President Mnangagwa is today presiding over the regional bloc’s virtual Extraordinary Summit that is aimed at tackling the security situation that has left thousands killed and millions displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Heads of State and Government are expected to converge virtually to deliberate on a report from the bloc’s Organ in Politics Defence and Security that is chaired by Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Sadc Extraordinary Summit will brainstorm over the report before making a resolution to end the hostilities in eastern DRC where government forces are fighting the armed M23 rebels.
Sadc Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi is already at State House for the meeting.
Our crew is at State House in Harare and will provide live coverage for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Sadc Chairperson President Mnangagwa delivers his opening remarks at the regional bloc’s virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government at State House in Harare this morning, flanked by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Sadc Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi (right). – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
Top officials attend Summit
Some of the dignitaries attending the virtual Summit include Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira; Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri; Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Valerio Sibanda.
Greater collaboration required on DRC conflict: President Mnangagwa
Sadc chairperson, President Mnangagwa has called for greater collaboration to end hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying it has the potential to spread in the region if it’s not curbed.
President Mnangagwa said this while officially opening the virtual Sadc Extraordinary Summit that is currently underway to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC.
“As we convene today, we remain cognisant of the fact that repercussions of the instability extend beyond the DRC borders, but affects the broader region. It is worth noting that implementation of the resolution of the joint Sadc-East African Community (EAC) Summit is now underway,” said President Mnangagwa.
He reaffirmed Sadc’s commitment to end the conflict.
“In this regard, an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue process is essential in strengthening security mechanisms that safeguard the human rights and dignity of the affected communities.
“Undoubtedly, there have been many setbacks in our quest for peace in eastern DRC. Our shared goal is to see a secure and prosperous DRC. To achieve this, we must constantly take stock of the decisions we adopt from time to time,” said President Mnangagwa.
Sadc Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi described the Sadc-EAS platform as critical in ending hostilities in eastern DRC.
Regional leaders attending the Summit have now gone into closed-door deliberations and are expected to deliver a communique outlining resolutions that would have been agreed on later on.
OPENING REMARKS SADC EX ORDINARY SUMMIT 13 MARCH 2025 FINAL csd (1)
SADC-EAST joint efforts bring hope for an end to DRC conflict
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.
SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa delivers his closing remarks at the end of the regional bloc’s virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government at State House in Harare this afternoon, flanked by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira and Sadc Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi (right).
? : Believe Nyakudjara
Communique of the SADC ExtraOrdinary Summit of 13 March 2025
The Communique was read by Mr Elias Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary
The Summit was to deliberate the security situation in Eastern DRC.
Summit was chaired by chairperson H.E Mnangagwa.
Summit was attended by Heads of State from DRC, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Malawi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauritius Foreign Affairs, Angola Home Affairs, Seychelles High Commissioner.
Summit considered the report from SADC Organ Troika Summit of 6 March 2025.
Deepest condolences to countries that lost troops and their families.
SADC noted the deteriorating security situation, including the capture of cities and loss of life.
SADC commended peacekeepers.
Summit call for the international community to provide humanitarian assistance.
SADC withdraws SAMIDRC.
Summit reaffirms wavering support in pursuit of sustainable peace.
Need for solutions, military and non-military for restoration of peace.
More facilitators for peace yielding.
UN Security Council efforts appreciated.
Summit acknowledges the expression of gratitude from DRC President Tshisekedi.
Commended President Samia Hassan of Tanzania for leadership and spearheading peacekeeping in the region under Organ Troika.
Summit thanked SADC chairperson, H.E President Mnangagwa, for convening the Summit.
The chairperson thanked Heads of State for attending and their commitment.
SADC Mission on DRC withdrawn
The Sadc Extraordinary Summit resolved to withdraw regional troops that had been deployed to help end hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, while the bloc remain seized with the political and security situation in the country.
In his closing remarks, Sadc chairperson President Mnangagwa said while they are withdrawing troops, they will continue monitoring the security situation in DRC.
“Based on well considered factors and reflections in the initial mandate, this Extraordinary Sadc Summit has made the bold decision to withdraw our mission from eastern DRC.
“Our august regional body will remain seized with the political and security situation in eastern DRC,” said President Mnangagwa.
Closing Remarks HE Virtual SADC Summit 13 MARCH 2025 Final csd
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