SADC Leaders Convene Urgent Summit to Address DRC Security Crisis
SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi delivered stark opening remarks, detailing the severe impact of recent military confrontations.
HARARE, Zimbabwe— Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders assembled for an extraordinary summit Friday to address the escalating security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with regional tensions reaching a critical point following repeated attacks by the M23 armed group, writes Winston Mwale.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi delivered stark opening remarks, detailing the severe impact of recent military confrontations.
He reported that M23 attacks have resulted in the deaths of 16 SADC troops and more than 70 total casualties, undermining a previously brokered ceasefire.
The summit, hosted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marks the second extraordinary meeting in two months specifically focused on the DRC conflict.
It follows the initial extraordinary summit held on November 20, 2024.
Magosi emphasised SADC's long-standing commitment to regional peace, recalling the deployment of a regional mission in December 2023 aimed at restoring security in eastern DRC.
The mission builds on previous peacekeeping efforts dating back to 2013, when SADC troops first intervened under the MONUSCO mission.
"We have witnessed intensified attacks by the M23 armed group on SAMIDRC and the Armed Forces of the DRC bases," Magosi told assembled regional leaders.
He noted that these attacks occurred despite a ceasefire negotiated through the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
The summit takes place against a backdrop of increasing regional instability.
SADC troops have successfully defended their operational bases, but the persistent attacks have raised significant concerns about long-term security in the region.
Regional leaders are expected to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing conflict, with a focus on sustainable solutions that can restore stability to eastern DRC.
Countries contributing troops to the mission, including Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, have been integral to regional peacekeeping efforts.
The current summit represents a critical diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
The meeting underscores SADC's commitment to regional peace and its role as a key mediator in African conflict resolution.
Regional leaders will discuss military, diplomatic, and humanitarian approaches to address the complex security challenges in the DRC.