The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strongly condemned last week’s attack on its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the M23 armed group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda.
The attack, which took place on January 22, targeted the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) in Goma.
In a statement, SADC expressed its concern over the aggression by the M23, stating that such actions undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of both the DRC and the SADC region.
The pursuit of territorial expansion by M23 has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian and security situation in the Eastern DRC, resulting in thousands of deaths and forcing millions – particularly women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities – to flee their homes in North Kivu.
The rebel group M23 attacked the SAMIDRC in Goma, prompting a successful retaliation by SAMIDRC forces.
SADC commended the bravery of the men and women from SAMIDRC who sacrificed their lives for the region.
The regional body emphasised that the actions of the M23 armed group contravene the Nairobi Peace Process and violate the agreed Ceasefire brokered through the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in his capacity as the African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa.
“We call on all parties in the conflict to adhere to their obligations in the Ceasefire, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and atrocities perpetrated by M23, as well as the unconditional withdrawal from all occupied positions,” the statement read.
SADC further encouraged all parties to the conflict in Eastern DRC to comply with the terms and conditions of existing peace agreements and engage in dialogue for lasting peace, security, and stability in the DRC and the region.
SADC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as achieving sustainable peace, security, and development.
SADC also called upon the international community, including the United Nations, to join in denouncing the unlawful actions of the M23.
JN/APA