Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 31st January, 2025.
Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 31, 2025, in response to the worsening security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Chaired by H.E. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and SADC Chairperson, the high-level meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to peace, stability and territorial integrity in the DRC.
The summit brought together key regional leaders, including:
H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (President of DRC)
H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa)
H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (President of Tanzania)
H.E. Andry Rajoelina (President of Madagascar)
H.E. Daniel Francisco Chapo (President of Mozambique)
Senior representatives from Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, Namibia, and Zambia
This high-level participation underscored SADC’s unified stance on the crisis and its determination to seek a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Amid reports of intensified violence in eastern DRC, the summit strongly condemned the M23 rebel group and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) for their repeated attacks on:
(1).DRC Government Forces
(2).SADC peacekeepers deployed under the SAMIDRC mission and
(3).Civilians in North Kivu
SADC leaders expressed their deepest condolences to the governments and families of Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, whose soldiers perished while serving in the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
They also called for urgent humanitarian intervention, emphasizing the need to restore essential services such as water, electricity and food supply chains.
Reaffirming SADC’s long-standing commitment to regional stability, the summit:
(1).Called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for enhanced diplomatic engagements through the Luanda Process (Angola) and Nairobi Process (Kenya).
(2).Proposed a joint SADC–East African Community (EAC) summit to coordinate a unified regional response to the crisis.
(3).Mandated the deployment of defence ministers and military chiefs from troop-contributing countries to the DRC to ensure the safety of SAMIDRC forces and facilitate the repatriation of fallen soldiers.
Additionally, Madagascar pledged medical support for the injured and displaced, reinforcing the region’s commitment to humanitarian relief efforts.
The summit recognized key regional figures for their leadership in addressing security and diplomatic challenges:
H.E. Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa was commended for hosting the summit and driving efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, was praised for her leadership in peace and security initiatives.
H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (DRC President) expressed gratitude for SADC’s unwavering support in defending his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the summit concluded, SADC reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the DRC’s pursuit of lasting peace, sovereignty and economic development.
With diplomatic and security measures set in motion, regional leaders emphasized the urgent need for international collaboration to resolve the crisis.
The meeting underscored that SADC will remain actively engaged in peacekeeping efforts, ensuring that the region moves toward a more stable and secure future.
Picture Credit: SADC
SADC
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Zambia
The Agency
