HARARE, Jan 31 – Southern African leaders convened an extraordinary summit in Harare to discuss the worsening security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following renewed attacks by the M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF).
Chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the high-level meeting brought together heads of state and representatives from Botswana, the DRC, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia. The summit assessed the latest developments in the eastern DRC, where armed conflict has intensified, endangering civilians and regional stability.
The leaders condemned the recent attacks on DRC government forces, the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC), and civilians in North Kivu. Expressing concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, they called for the swift restoration of essential services, including water, electricity, and communication networks, to affected communities.
SADC reaffirmed its commitment to the peacekeeping mission deployed in May 2023 to support the DRC’s territorial integrity. However, leaders acknowledged that the mission’s objectives remain unfulfilled amid ongoing hostilities. The summit urged diplomatic engagement through the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, and the Nairobi Process, overseen by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
In response to the mounting security concerns, SADC directed ministers of defence and military chiefs from troop-contributing nations to travel to the DRC immediately to ensure the safety of SAMIDRC personnel and oversee the repatriation of fallen and wounded soldiers. The summit also called for a joint meeting between SADC and the East African Community (EAC) to coordinate efforts in stabilizing the region.
The leaders mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation to engage all parties to the conflict in ceasefire negotiations and facilitate humanitarian assistance. Political actors involved in the conflict were urged to commit to dialogue and work towards a lasting peace settlement.
The summit expressed solidarity with the DRC and praised the efforts of the deployed troops for their dedication to restoring peace. Madagascar was commended for pledging medical assistance to injured civilians and displaced persons in the conflict zone.
Mozambique’s new President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, was formally welcomed to the regional bloc, while DRC President Félix Tshisekedi thanked SADC for its continued support. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan received recognition for her leadership in advancing regional peace and security.
The summit concluded with gratitude to Zimbabwe for hosting the gathering and reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
