Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has firmly denied that it was involved in a joint operation with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against M23 rebels in Goma.
M23 and some rebel splinters have launched an offensive against the DRC government, capturing vast parts of Eastern DRC, including the City of Goma.
Peace efforts that have been ongoing between the warring parties are at regional level, with Sadc and the East African Community (EAC) trying to seek everlasting peace.
Sadc has already pulled out its forces from the DRC under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) to foster a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
However, in a communique released on Saturday, M23 accused SAMIDRC of fighting alongside DRC armed forces.
In a Press statement released on Monday, Sadc denied this.
“The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) has noted with deep concern the contents of a communiqué issued on 12 April by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23, which alleges that the SAMIDRC has engaged in joint military operations alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the
Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the Wazalendo militia in Goma, against M23,” reads the statement.
“Sadc firmly refutes these allegations. SAMIDRC has not participated in any joint operations as claimed. These assertions are both inaccurate and misleading.”
The regional bloc said in line with the directive of the Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government, SAMIDRC is currently implementing a structured and coordinated withdrawal from the DRC.
“Sadc further reaffirms its commitment to the agreements reached during the consultative engagement held on 28 March 2025 in Goma between Sadc and the M23 leadership. The organisation remains dedicated to supporting peaceful and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability in the eastern DRC.
“The Sadc Secretariat urges all parties to act responsibly, refrain from spreading misinformation, and work collectively towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the region,” said the statement.
