The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for peace, security, and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Meeting for their 45th Ordinary Summit in Antananarivo, the Heads of State and Government also paid solemn tribute to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) members who lost their lives in action.
The leaders welcomed the joint efforts of the African Union (AU), SADC, and the East African Community (EAC) to integrate the Luanda and Nairobi processes. They stressed the need for greater collaboration with other international initiatives, including the Washington 2025 Agreement and the Doha 2025 Declaration. The Summit condemned the spread of false information about the SAMIDRC deployment, clarifying that the mission was conducted in full respect of regional and international principles to support member states against external aggression.
A report from the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was presented and commended. The Summit then elected Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera as the new Chairperson of the Organ, with King Mswati III of Eswatini as the incoming Chairperson.
The meeting also noted positive progress in Lesotho, which has been removed from the Organ Troika agenda following the adoption of the 10th Constitutional Amendment and advancements in its national reform process. The leaders commended Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Mauritius for holding peaceful elections and encouraged the continuation of inclusive dialogue in Mozambique. The Heads of State concluded the summit by expressing their condolences for the deaths of notable regional figures and honored their contributions to the development of SADC.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA