SADC calls for urgent joint Summit with EAC on Eastern DRC security crisis

SADC Urges Immediate Joint Summit with EAC Regarding Eastern DRC Security Crisis

In response to the deteriorating security conditions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Led by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the summit focused on strategizing solutions to the escalating crisis and ultimately resolved to convene an urgent joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC).

Context of the Crisis.

The decision to organize a joint summit comes after a recent EAC meeting on January 29, 2025, where regional leaders voiced significant concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in the DRC. This collaborative effort highlights the urgent nature of the crisis, marked by rising violence and instability in the region, with a particular impact on civilian communities.

Notable participants at the Harare summit included leaders from SADC member states such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, the DRC, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Namibia. This varied representation demonstrates the regional dedication to tackling a common security issue.

Honoring Fallen Soldiers.

An essential aspect of the summit was a tribute to SADC troops who sadly lost their lives in recent conflicts, particularly in Sake. This moment of remembrance honored the sacrifices of soldiers from Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa, who were involved in a challenging and often perilous mission.

Military Operations in the DRC.

Since December 2023, SADC forces have engaged in military operations in North Kivu as part of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Their main goal is to support the Congolese government in fighting the M23 rebel group, which has significantly expanded its control, seizing important areas such as Sake and Goma.

The initial SADC deployment consisted of 5,000 troops, with South Africa at the helm. Although over 4,000 additional troops were sent in June 2024, the unified military effort has had difficulty dislodging the M23. This rebel group claims to be protecting Congolese Tutsi communities, which complicates the military landscape further.

Diplomatic Solutions and Immediate Actions.

At the summit, leaders openly recognized that their initial military goals were not achieved and highlighted the need for renewed diplomacy. They backed the ongoing peace efforts in Luanda and Nairobi, calling for an immediate ceasefire to stop the hostilities and enable the restoration of vital services—such as access to water, electricity, and food— in the impacted areas.

The leaders tasked the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation to engage with all parties involved in the conflict actively. They underscored the need to facilitate humanitarian aid and urged heightened political discussions among the key stakeholders in the crisis.

Looking Ahead.

SADC leaders emphasize the need for cooperation with the EAC, highlighting the pressing security issues in eastern DRC. There is still hope that joint efforts born from regional unity can stabilize the region and mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with a focus on protecting the affected people's safety and well-being communities.