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Harare – Southern African leaders have called for immediate and decisive action to address the worsening security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as they convened for an extraordinary virtual summit today.
The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President and SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa, focused on reviewing progress in implementing regional peace resolutions and assessing the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Regional leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, which has displaced thousands and destabilised the broader region.
“As we convene today, we remain cognisant of the fact that repercussions of the instability extend beyond the DRC borders, affecting the broader region at large,” President Mnangagwa said in his opening remarks. “Our shared goal is to see a secure and prosperous DRC. To achieve this, we must constantly take stock of the decisions we have adopted from time to time.”
SADC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace efforts and called for intensified regional and international cooperation.
President Mnangagwa stressed the need for greater urgency, urging stakeholders to act swiftly to stabilise the region.
“We must infuse a greater sense of urgency in our respective work plans. Emphasis must be on collaborative strategies to improve peace and security in the DRC,” he said.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which aligns with Africa’s broader peace initiatives. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
Despite setbacks in stabilising eastern DRC, leaders expressed hope that continued collaboration with international partners would lead to long-term peace.
“We reaffirm our commitment to play our part to promote lasting and sustainable peace. An inclusive and comprehensive dialogue process is essential,” President Mnangagwa emphasised.
The summit concluded with renewed pledges to strengthen security measures and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the conflict.
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