Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders convened virtually on Thursday for an extraordinary summit to review the mandate of the regional intervention force deployed in the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The meeting, chaired by Zimbabwean President and SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa, comes amid escalating violence in the Congolese region where the M23 armed group continues to battle DRC government forces and SADC troops, capturing key cities and infrastructure.
Mnangagwa warned that the ripple effects of the conflict extend beyond the DRC, posing a significant security threat to the broader region.
“Our shared goal is to see a secure and prosperous DRC,” Mnangagwa said in his opening remarks.
“The review of the SAMIDRC [SADC Mission in the DRC] mandate that is expected of this meeting is, therefore, timely, the outcome of which must contribute to the attainment of peace and stability in eastern DRC and ultimately, the entire region.”
The security situation in eastern DRC has worsened in recent months, with M23 rebels intensifying attacks, seizing territory and displacing thousands.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi described the situation as “worrisome,” noting that the violence has led to a sharp increase in internally displaced persons, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women, children and the elderly.
Magosi condemned the rebel attacks, calling them “unwarranted,” and reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to standing in solidarity with the DRC.
“The situation is compounded by the blockade of main supply routes and the capture by the M23 Armed Group of both Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport in Bukavu,” Magosi said during the meeting.
He said “an urgent diplomatic intervention is needed to open these airports to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and allow SADC and its structures to find an immediate and workable solution for our mission.”
The ongoing conflict has been further complicated by allegations of external support for the M23 rebels, which has undermined peace efforts under the Nairobi and Luanda processes.
Magosi noted that such interference violates international law and defies regional peace agreements.
The outcome of the summit is expected to shape the next phase of SADC’s intervention in eastern DRC as leaders seek urgent solutions to restore stability in one of Africa’s most conflict-ridden regions.
JN/APA