Southern African Development Community (SADC)
By Thabo Mosia
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strongly condemned the recent attacks by the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has called for an immediate ceasefire to restore peace and stability in the region.
During an Extraordinary Summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 31 January 2025, SADC leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, particularly the recent offensives by the M23 rebels against the Congolese military (FARDC), SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops, and civilians in North Kivu. The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reaffirmed the regional bloc’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region.
SADC Leaders Denounce M23 Ceasefire Violations
The M23 rebel group has been waging an armed insurgency in eastern DRC for years, leading to large-scale displacement of civilians and significant casualties. Recent attacks by the rebels have worsened the security situation, prompting urgent discussions at the SADC summit.
In its official communiqué, SADC condemned the M23’s recent offensives, stating:
“Summit condemned in strongest terms the attacks on the SAMIDRC troops by the M23 operating in the Eastern DRC, as such actions violated the ceasefire that was brokered through the Luanda Process on 30 July 2024 and undermine peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region.”The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for all parties to respect previous peace agreements. The Luanda and Nairobi peace processes were highlighted as the best platforms for diplomatic resolution, with SADC leaders urging continued dialogue.
SADC Pledges Continued Military and Diplomatic Support
During the summit, SADC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DRC through diplomatic efforts and military assistance under its Mutual Defence Pact. The SAMIDRC peacekeeping mission, deployed to help stabilize the country, has suffered casualties following recent attacks by M23 rebels.
• Strengthening the SADC Standby Force to respond effectively to security threats in the eastern DRC.
• Deploying additional defense and diplomatic officials to assist in conflict resolution efforts.
• Engaging international partners, including the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), to support stabilization measures.
• Calling for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 rebels from occupied territories.
The Summit’s key resolutions included:
The SAMIDRC mission, which includes troops from South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, and other SADC nations, has been actively engaged in combatting instability in the region.
SADC leaders expressed condolences to the families of soldiers who lost their lives during the latest violence in Sake, North Kivu, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured troops.
“Summit expressed its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republics of Malawi and South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania for the deceased soldiers who lost their lives during the recent attacks in Sake, Eastern DRC, while serving under the SAMIDRC.”Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Amid Fighting
Beyond the military and security concerns, SADC leaders raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced due to recent fighting.
The Summit noted with concern that the M23 attacks have severely impacted essential utilities, including water, electricity, communication networks, and supply lines for food and medicine.
Humanitarian organizations report that the ongoing conflict has left hundreds of thousands in urgent need of aid. The DRC government, SADC, and international partners have been called upon to mobilize immediate relief efforts.
“Summit expressed concern that the recent attacks continued to worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC and called for immediate restoration of essential utilities such as water, electricity, means of communication and supply lines for food and other essential commodities.”SADC urged the international community to increase support for humanitarian aid efforts, particularly in the hardest-hit regions of North Kivu and Ituri.
SADC Calls for Regional and International Support
Recognizing that the crisis in eastern DRC is a regional and continental security issue, the SADC Summit called for stronger cooperation between African nations and international actors.
Key diplomatic resolutions included:
• Strengthening peace talks through the Luanda Process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, and the Nairobi Process, spearheaded by Kenyan President William Ruto.
• Engaging all state and non-state actors in diplomatic negotiations to secure a lasting peace agreement.
• Pushing for a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution to support SAMIDRC operations and pressure M23 to cease hostilities.
SADC also commended Madagascar for its pledge of medical assistance to treat wounded civilians and displaced populations affected by the violence.
“Summit commended the Republic of Madagascar for pledging medical support to the injured and displaced people in the theatre of operation in the Eastern DRC.”Additionally, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC expressed gratitude to SADC for its ongoing efforts in addressing the country’s security crisis.
Joint SADC-EAC Summit to Address DRC Security Crisis
One of the major resolutions from the SADC Extraordinary Summit was the proposal for a joint Summit between SADC and the East African Community (EAC) to find a comprehensive solution to the ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC.
This follows the 24th Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held on 29 January 2025, which discussed troop contributions from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda.
SADC emphasized the need for greater regional unity, urging both SADC and EAC nations to work together in coordinating peacekeeping operations and negotiating a long-term ceasefire.
“Summit called for an immediate joint Summit of SADC and East African Community (EAC) to deliberate on the way forward regarding the security situation in the DRC.”This move is expected to strengthen diplomatic pressure on the M23 rebels while enhancing military coordination between regional forces.
SADC Leaders Commend Member States’ Efforts
The summit concluded with SADC leaders commending the ongoing commitment of its member states to regional peace and stability.
• Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was praised for her leadership as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
• Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as Chairperson of SADC, was acknowledged for convening the Extraordinary Summit and facilitating urgent discussions on the DRC crisis.
• South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has played a key role in previous peace negotiations, reiterated the country’s commitment to stabilizing the region.
“Summit thanked the Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for convening the Extraordinary SADC Summit and for his leadership in promoting regional cooperation towards the attainment of peace and stability in the SADC region.”
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