The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an Extraordinary Summit on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chaired by Zimbabwean President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the summit resulted in key resolutions aimed at restoring peace and stability to the conflict-affected region.
The summit culminated in several critical decisions aimed at de-escalating the conflict and supporting the DRC’s sovereignty:
1. Deployment of Key Defense Officials: SADC agreed to urgently send defense ministers, military chiefs, and representatives from troop-contributing nations to the DRC. Their mission is to assess the security situation, safeguard SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) personnel, and oversee the repatriation of both the fallen and injured soldiers.
2. Strengthening Diplomatic Engagements: Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the Luanda Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço and the Nairobi Process spearheaded by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. These initiatives focus on fostering dialogue among conflicting parties to secure a sustainable ceasefire.
3. Proposal for a Joint SADC-EAC Summit: Recognizing the broader regional implications of the conflict, the summit called for an immediate joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC) to coordinate efforts, following recommendations from the EAC’s 24th Extraordinary Summit held on January 29, 2025.
4. Mandate to the SADC Organ Troika: The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation was tasked with engaging all stakeholders, including non-state actors, to negotiate a ceasefire. This will facilitate the protection of civilians and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.
5. Enhancing Humanitarian Support: The summit urged the international community to bolster humanitarian assistance, focusing on restoring critical infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, communication networks, and food distribution in the conflict-affected areas of North Kivu.
6. Commitment to Regional Security: SADC member states pledged to reinforce SAMIDRC’s operational capacity through improved resources and logistical support to ensure the mission effectively fulfills its peacekeeping mandate.
The summit was prompted by the alarming rise in violence in North Kivu, where attacks by the M23 rebel group with alleged support from Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have resulted in civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the disruption of essential services.
Leaders expressed deep concern over these developments, condemning the attacks on SAMIDRC peacekeepers as clear violations of the ceasefire agreement signed on July 30, 2024, under the Luanda Process. The resurgence of hostilities threatens not just the DRC’s sovereignty but also the security and stability of the entire SADC region.
“These assaults on peacekeepers undermine the progress made towards peace and pose a grave threat to regional security,” the summit’s final communiqué noted.
The human toll of the conflict was a central focus of the summit. Leaders paid tribute to soldiers from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania who lost their lives during recent clashes in Sake, Eastern DRC. The summit extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa honored the fallen peacekeepers, saying, “We salute our heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Their courage and dedication will not be forgotten.”
The summit also commended the resilience of SAMIDRC personnel and acknowledged Madagascar’s commitment to providing medical support to the wounded and displaced in the conflict zone.
The Extraordinary Summit underscored the region’s unwavering solidarity with the DRC. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the May 2023 resolution to deploy peacekeeping forces to support the DRC’s quest for peace and territorial integrity, acknowledging that these goals remain a work in progress.
DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo expressed his gratitude for SADC’s steadfast support, emphasizing the critical role regional partnerships play in tackling his country’s security challenges.
The summit also congratulated Mozambique’s newly elected President Daniel Francisco Chapo, welcoming his involvement in SADC’s peace efforts. Additionally, Tanzania’s President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan was praised for her leadership as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
While the immediate focus was on the DRC crisis, the summit also reflected on the broader vision for the region’s future. President Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of peace and stability as foundations for achieving long-term development goals outlined in the SADC Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Our aspirations for a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful region are closely tied to political stability and security,” Mnangagwa said. “As masters of our destiny, we remain committed to building a SADC and an Africa that thrives on the global stage.”
He further urged member states to intensify efforts to “silence the guns permanently” and ensure that “no country or community is left behind” in the pursuit of peace and development.
In his concluding address, President Mnangagwa expressed heartfelt appreciation to the participating leaders and their delegations for attending the summit on short notice. He acknowledged their valuable contributions, which shaped the summit’s resolutions.
“I thank you all for your insights and commitment to the decisions we’ve made today,” he remarked. “United in purpose, we are the hope for our brothers and sisters in the Eastern DRC.”
The summit concluded with renewed commitments to peace, security, and regional cooperation, reinforcing SADC’s role as a pillar of stability in Southern Africa.
The Harare summit demonstrated the region’s determination to address security challenges collectively and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all its people.
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