SADC Leaders Convene to Address Crisis in Eastern DRC

SADC Extraordinary Summit Convenes to Address Crisis in Eastern Congo

DODOMA, March 13, 2025 – The escalating humanitarian and security crisis in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted an urgent Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which commenced today in Dodoma, Tanzania.

The summit, hosted by Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and chaired by Zimbabwean President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa in his capacity as SADC Chairperson, aims to coordinate regional efforts to address the ongoing turmoil in the DRC. Among the distinguished attendees were President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique, Namibian President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Other notable leaders present included Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russel Dlamini, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Gladys Tembo, Mauritius’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Dhananjay Ramful, Angola’s Minister of Home Affairs Manuel Homem, and Seychelles’ High Commissioner to South Africa Claude Morel.

Urgent Security and Humanitarian Concerns

During the summit, the SADC heads of state received an extensive briefing on the worsening security situation in eastern DRC, including an assessment of the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The summit reviewed reports from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, which convened on March 6, 2025.

In response to the grave developments, the summit formally terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC and approved the commencement of a phased withdrawal of its troops. This decision comes amid mounting concerns over the continued instability, including the recent capture of the cities of Goma and Bukavu and the obstruction of key supply routes, which have severely hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Tributes and Calls for Action

The leaders collectively expressed their deepest condolences to the people of the DRC, as well as to the Republics of South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, mourning the loss of soldiers who perished while serving under the SAMIDRC mission. They also extended their wishes for a swift recovery to those wounded in the line of duty.

Acknowledging the sacrifices and resilience of the troops deployed in the DRC, the summit commended their unity, dedication, and commitment to peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, the leaders underscored the importance of safeguarding civilians, ensuring their freedom of movement, and upholding international humanitarian principles by ceasing attacks on civilian infrastructure and allowing unrestricted humanitarian access.

Appeal for International Support

Recognizing the growing humanitarian crisis, the summit called upon the international community—including the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU)—to intensify efforts in providing humanitarian relief to the affected populations in eastern DRC. The leaders reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting interventions aimed at achieving lasting peace, in alignment with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.

SADC reiterated its dedication to assisting the DRC in preserving its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term stability. The summit also emphasized the necessity of engaging all stakeholders—state and non-state actors, military and non-military groups—in a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Strengthening Peace Initiatives

The summit reaffirmed the decision reached at the recent joint East African Community (EAC) and SADC Summit to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, ensuring a more coordinated and comprehensive mediation framework with additional facilitators.

Additionally, the leaders welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 2773, which outlines guidelines for a durable solution while reinforcing regional efforts by organizations such as the AU, EAC, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The summit also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the UN Secretary-General in spearheading global initiatives to restore peace and stability in the region.

The summit concluded with expressions of gratitude from President Félix Tshisekedi for SADC’s unwavering support in addressing the security challenges in the DRC. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in her role as Chairperson of the SADC Organ, was also commended for her leadership in advancing regional peace and security initiatives.

As the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops begins, SADC remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating sustainable peace and development in the eastern DRC, ensuring that diplomatic efforts and regional partnerships remain at the forefront of the resolution process.