THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has condemned the recent attacks carried out by aggressor forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The regional bloc’s condemnation came yesterday during an Extra Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government convened in Zimbabwe, where the leaders gathered to discuss escalating security concerns in the region.

SADC Chairperson, Presi dent Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing armed conflicts in the eastern DRC.

In his address, he under scored the prolonged suffering of the people in the region, stating that the situation has remained dire despite efforts to mitigate the impact on displaced populations.

“The peace and security of our region is a shared responsibility. Therefore, I call upon us all to make the most of this important meeting by engaging in open, honest and fact-based deliberations,” President Mnangagwa said.

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aiming to create a concrete and actionable roadmap for peace in the Eastern Territory. The attacks, which have targeted both military and civilian structures, have led to significant loss of life, including several peacekeepers deployed by the United Nations and regional forces. SADC extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the ser vice of peace and reaffirmed its commitment to collective security.

“SADC strongly condemns the attacks carried out by aggressor forces. While we pause to mourn our loss, our resolve to uphold collective security remains unshaken,” President Mnangagwa said.

The summit also highlighted the role of international cooperating partners, who have provided critical support to the displaced populations in the region.

However, SADC stressed that further action is necessary to address the escalating humanitarian needs and to ensure lasting peace in the DRC. “The importance of dia logue and peacebuilding for the benefit of the people of the eastern DRC must be boldly pursued.

To this end, our region stands ready to intensify efforts to protect civilians from all forms of instability, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact,” the SADC Chairperson affirmed.

President Mnangagwa called for all member states to contribute more actively to the peace process, urging leaders to adopt a collective approach towards peace and security in the region. “We must strengthen our political will to accelerate the realisation of peace in the East ern Territory,” he said.

On his part, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi stressed the urgent need for intervention to protect both the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and civilians in the conflict-ridden areas.

“This summit is being held at a critical time when the security situation in eastern DRC continues deteriorating. We are witnessing intensified attacks by the M23 armed group, resulting in the loss of 16 SADC troops and injuries to more than 70 others,” Mr Magosi said.

He said that SADC has been a key player in efforts to restore peace in eastern DRC. Its engagement dates back to 2013, when Malawi, South Af rica and Tanzania contributed troops to the Force Intervention Brigade under MONUSCO.

Mr Magosi said, “in De cember 2023, the regional bloc deployed SAMIDRC to bolster security efforts and support the Congolese government in countering armed groups that threaten stability in the region.”

“Despite diplomatic efforts, including a ceasefire agreement brokered through the Luanda process led by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, hostilities persist,” he said.

He added that the M23 rebels have continued their offensives, violating the ceasefire and escalating tensions in the region.

The summit’s agenda was informed by the outcomes of the Extraordinary Organ Troi ka Plus Two Summit, which Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan chaired on January 28 this year.

Given the urgency of the situation, leaders resolved to reassess SADC’s intervention strategies and enhance support for SAMIDRC forces on the ground.

Mr Magosi reiterated the importance of sustainable solutions, emphasising that peace and stability are fundamental to regional integration and eco nomic development.

“SADC must do all it can to protect and preserve the peace that defines our region. Our collective response must not only address the immediate security threats but also tackle the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC,” said Mr Magosi.