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Mnangagwa to Chair SADC Extraordinary Summit on DRC Security Crisis
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is set to preside over an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare tomorrow, focusing on the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summit will provide a platform for SADC leaders to discuss strategies and take decisive action to address the escalating violence and instability in the eastern regions of the DRC, which have been plagued by conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, confirmed the summit's agenda, emphasizing that the primary focus will be on finding lasting peace solutions for the region. He reiterated President Mnangagwa's commitment to leading SADC's efforts to restore security in the eastern DRC.
"As you know, there are negative developments in the east of the DRC, marked by violence and conflict. This summit will allow Heads of State and Government to deliberate on the peace efforts aimed at resolving the situation," said Prof. Murwira. "Any instability in the SADC region is an affront to the economic development efforts of the region. Peace is vital, and the Heads of State will be briefed on the extent of the crisis and will make decisions accordingly."
The summit follows the outcome of an Extraordinary Summit held on January 28, 2025, which included discussions by the SADC Organ Troika and the DRC alongside Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) involved in the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). This meeting, chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, laid the groundwork for the broader summit set to take place on Friday.
Minister Murwira also highlighted the urgency with which SADC is addressing the crisis, stating that the regional bloc is fully committed to finding a resolution to the conflict in the DRC. President Mnangagwa had earlier condemned the violence and urged SADC to take immediate action, demonstrating the organization's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
In a communique issued by the SADC Secretariat, it was noted that the Extraordinary Summit in Harare would be preceded by meetings of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers, ensuring thorough preparations for the summit discussions.
As of Tuesday, the death toll from clashes between peacekeeping forces and M23 rebels had risen to 17, including 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, along with casualties from Malawi and Uruguay who were part of the SADC regional force or the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Further casualties were expected, given the intensifying violence.
Fighting has intensified in recent weeks, particularly as M23 rebels have made significant advances toward Goma, a key city with a population of over one million. This escalation has contributed to a growing humanitarian crisis, with more than 400,000 people displaced in the provinces of North and South Kivu, situated near the border with Rwanda.
The United Nations' refugee agency has reported a rising demand for humanitarian aid as families flee their homes in search of safety. The security crisis has also led to heightened fears and instability across the region.
Director for International Communication Services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Richard Mahomva, stated that the convening of the summit underscores the SADC region's deep concern about the DRC situation and its commitment to finding solutions.
"We look forward to the outcome of the summit and the efforts of our regional leaders to address this crisis," Mahomva said. "The region's efforts are focused on restoring peace and tranquility to the Eastern DRC, which is critical for both the DRC and the broader SADC region's stability and development."
The Extraordinary Summit is expected to mark a significant step in SADC's ongoing mission to address security challenges and contribute to lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The summit will provide a platform for SADC leaders to discuss strategies and take decisive action to address the escalating violence and instability in the eastern regions of the DRC, which have been plagued by conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, confirmed the summit's agenda, emphasizing that the primary focus will be on finding lasting peace solutions for the region. He reiterated President Mnangagwa's commitment to leading SADC's efforts to restore security in the eastern DRC.
"As you know, there are negative developments in the east of the DRC, marked by violence and conflict. This summit will allow Heads of State and Government to deliberate on the peace efforts aimed at resolving the situation," said Prof. Murwira. "Any instability in the SADC region is an affront to the economic development efforts of the region. Peace is vital, and the Heads of State will be briefed on the extent of the crisis and will make decisions accordingly."
The summit follows the outcome of an Extraordinary Summit held on January 28, 2025, which included discussions by the SADC Organ Troika and the DRC alongside Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) involved in the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). This meeting, chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, laid the groundwork for the broader summit set to take place on Friday.
Minister Murwira also highlighted the urgency with which SADC is addressing the crisis, stating that the regional bloc is fully committed to finding a resolution to the conflict in the DRC. President Mnangagwa had earlier condemned the violence and urged SADC to take immediate action, demonstrating the organization's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
In a communique issued by the SADC Secretariat, it was noted that the Extraordinary Summit in Harare would be preceded by meetings of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials and the SADC Council of Ministers, ensuring thorough preparations for the summit discussions.
As of Tuesday, the death toll from clashes between peacekeeping forces and M23 rebels had risen to 17, including 13 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, along with casualties from Malawi and Uruguay who were part of the SADC regional force or the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Further casualties were expected, given the intensifying violence.
Fighting has intensified in recent weeks, particularly as M23 rebels have made significant advances toward Goma, a key city with a population of over one million. This escalation has contributed to a growing humanitarian crisis, with more than 400,000 people displaced in the provinces of North and South Kivu, situated near the border with Rwanda.
The United Nations' refugee agency has reported a rising demand for humanitarian aid as families flee their homes in search of safety. The security crisis has also led to heightened fears and instability across the region.
Director for International Communication Services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Richard Mahomva, stated that the convening of the summit underscores the SADC region's deep concern about the DRC situation and its commitment to finding solutions.
"We look forward to the outcome of the summit and the efforts of our regional leaders to address this crisis," Mahomva said. "The region's efforts are focused on restoring peace and tranquility to the Eastern DRC, which is critical for both the DRC and the broader SADC region's stability and development."
The Extraordinary Summit is expected to mark a significant step in SADC's ongoing mission to address security challenges and contribute to lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source - The Chronicle
