The extension aims to stabilise the conflict-stricken eastern region of the DRC, which has been marred by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, displacing over 6.4 million people, predominantly women and children.
The summit, held at the Parliament Building in Harare, reviewed updates on the peace and security situation in the DRC and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating conditions.
This prompted SADC leaders to renew the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIM) to continue efforts to secure peace and facilitate humanitarian aid.
During his address, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasised the importance of all parties adhering to ceasefire agreements and respecting regional peace initiatives, particularly those outlined in the Luanda Agreement.
“The reported violations of the ceasefire by some parties to the agreement are worrisome and should be treated with the contempt they deserve. We reiterate the clarion call for all parties to observe the stated obligations of the ceasefire,” said Magosi.
He highlighted that the ceasefire is critical to enabling dialogue, fostering political solutions, and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those affected by the armed conflict.
While renewing the mission’s mandate, SADC leaders acknowledged the financial burden of sustaining such a large-scale operation. Member states were urged to honour their funding commitments to maintain operational effectiveness and consolidate the gains achieved.
Magosi noted that SADC is exploring additional support mechanisms through partnerships with the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations. However, he stressed the urgency for member states to fulfil their pledges.
“The attainment of lasting peace in eastern DRC requires complementary strategies, including political and diplomatic interventions such as the Luanda Process, led by President João Lourenço of Angola,” Magosi added.
In addition to the DRC, the summit addressed post-election violence in Mozambique following disputed election results. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi updated SADC on the situation, which has seen violent protests by opposition supporters.
Initially, concerns arose over the omission of Mozambique from the summit’s agenda, with allegations of interference by Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF in Mozambique’s electoral processes. However, the summit ultimately acknowledged the unrest and reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to peace and stability across the region.
SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa reaffirmed the organisation’s collective responsibility to address regional instability.
“The long-standing mantra, ‘an injury to one of our nations is an injury to all SADC nations,’ rings true to this day,” Mnangagwa stated.
He expressed gratitude to Angola’s President João Lourenço for his mediation efforts and commended troop-contributing countries—Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa—for their critical role in the DRC mission.
As the summit concluded, SADC leaders called for sustained diplomatic efforts, continued troop support, and renewed financial commitments to address ongoing conflicts in the region. With its extended mission in the DRC and a focus on Mozambique’s unrest, SADC reiterated its dedication to fostering peace and stability across Southern Africa.
--John Cassim/ChannelAfrica--
