Southern African Leaders Unite Against DRC Conflict, Pledge Support for Peace Initiatives

By Loyd Matare

Southern African leaders have sounded the alarm over the escalating security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the ongoing conflict is not only destabilizing the DRC but threatening the entire region.

Speaking at the Virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit on the Security Situation in the DRC, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who chaired the meeting, underscored the need for immediate and coordinated intervention.

“As we convene today, we remain cognizant of the fact that the repercussions of instability extend beyond the DRC borders, affecting the broader region at large. It is crucial that we infuse a greater sense of urgency in our respective work plans,” Mnangagwa said.

The high-level summit brought together regional heavyweights, including King Mswati III of Eswatini, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, President Joao Lourenço of Angola, President Samia Hassan of Tanzania, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.

The discussions revolved around reviewing the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and assessing progress on resolutions from the Joint SADC-East African Community (EAC) Summit.

The security situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, with violent attacks by the M23 rebel group leaving countless civilians dead, thousands injured, and forcing an alarming increase in internally displaced persons.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi minced no words in his assessment of the crisis.

“The attacks by the M23 Armed Group against DRC Government Forces, SAMIDRC troops, and the civilian population have resulted in the loss of lives and led to a sharp increase in internally displaced persons, forcing many, particularly women, children, and the elderly, to flee their homes,” Magosi said.

He further condemned the capture of Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport in Bukavu, warning that the blockade of supply routes is worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Magosi emphasized that SADC will not stand by while the sovereignty of the DRC is trampled upon, calling out external forces supporting the rebels.

“The invasion of DRC territory by M23 and their external supporters, along with the establishment of illegitimate parallel administration in some parts of the country, are serious violations of international law and a clear and unapologetic defiance of both the Nairobi and Luanda Peace processes,” he declared.

To counter these threats, Magosi revealed that the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003 is being invoked to strengthen military and diplomatic responses to the crisis.

Mnangagwa welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2773, noting that global efforts must align with African-led peace initiatives.

“SADC welcomes efforts by the international community to end the conflict. However, we must remain at the forefront of driving sustainable peace initiatives. Our shared goal is to see a secure and prosperous DRC,” Mnangagwa said.

SADC leaders reinforced their call for an inclusive peace dialogue, urging the immediate reopening of diplomatic channels under the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes to avoid further escalation.

Magosi echoed this sentiment, urging SADC and EAC to protect and nurture their engagement process, which has fostered some level of trust between the DRC and Rwanda.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure this structure achieves its objectives and remains credible, trusted, and free from blemishes. It should not become another failed process,” he said.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, leaders remained resolute.

“We must constantly take stock of the decisions we have adopted. The review of the SAMIDRC mandate is timely, and its outcome must contribute to the attainment of peace and stability, not just in eastern DRC, but across the entire region,” Mnangagwa affirmed.

With SADC standing firm in its commitment, the region is determined to prevent the DRC from slipping further into chaos. As Mnangagwa aptly put it: “Together, we can make a difference.”