On March 13, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane joined regional leaders at the Extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit to discuss the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deteriorating situation in the eastern DRC has become a critical concern, requiring urgent attention and coordinated regional action to restore peace.
Matekane voiced Lesotho’s strong support for SADC-led peace initiatives and expressed approval for the United Nations Security Council’s recent Resolution 2772. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign forces, and renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. The Prime Minister recognized the significance of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and urged all stakeholders to commit to inclusive dialogue as the foundation for long-lasting peace.
Speaking at the summit, Matekane stressed that military intervention alone cannot provide a sustainable solution. He advocated for prioritizing diplomatic, political, and humanitarian efforts as key to achieving stability in the region. He also highlighted the need for careful management of the withdrawal of SADC troops to avoid creating a security vacuum, calling for stronger peacebuilding frameworks that address the root causes of the conflict.
