SADC
The Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, has reaffirmed the regional bloc’s unequivocal commitment to promoting lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Magosi was speaking during the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation meeting on the margins of the Heads of State and Government Summit. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, while troops have been withdrawn from the SADC Mission, as mandated by the Summit in March this year, our commitment to fostering sustainable peace in eastern DRC remains unequivocal.
Magosi Highlights SADC’s Steadfast Role in DRC Peace Efforts
At the Ministerial Committee of the Troika of the Organ meeting held on 15 August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi stressed the organisation’s unwavering dedication to resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. The gathering took place alongside the 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, where regional security topped the agenda. Magosi noted that despite the withdrawal of troops from the SADC Mission in the DRC, known as SAMIDRC, the bloc’s efforts to build sustainable peace continue without pause.
The SAMIDRC deployment, which began in December 2023, involved forces from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Burundi to support the DRC government against armed groups like M23. However, the mission faced severe challenges, including deadly attacks that claimed the lives of at least 14 South African soldiers in clashes during early 2025. A virtual extraordinary summit in March 2025 decided to terminate the mandate and initiate a phased withdrawal, citing escalating violence and the need to reassess strategies. By June 2025, the pullout was underway, with forces leaving areas like Goma and Sake amid ongoing ceasefires and humanitarian concerns. Magosi reiterated that this step does not signal a retreat from peace-building, but a shift towards diplomatic and coordinated regional actions.
The eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, with over 120 armed groups vying for control of mineral-rich territories. The resurgence of M23 rebels since 2021 has displaced millions, leading to a humanitarian crisis with more than 7 million internally displaced people as of mid-2025. SADC’s involvement aimed to stabilise the region, but critics pointed to insufficient funding, logistical issues, and coordination problems with other forces like MONUSCO and EAC contingents as reasons for limited success.
Merger of Mediation Structures Marks Progress in Regional Cooperation
A significant development highlighted by Magosi was the Joint Summit of the East African Community and SADC on 13 August 2025, which focused on consolidating efforts to tackle security challenges in eastern DRC. The summit resulted in the merger of EAC-SADC and African Union mediation structures into a unified AU-led process, with a joint technical secretariat under the AU Commission. This alignment is seen as a milestone in harmonising peace initiatives, allowing for more efficient diplomacy and resource sharing.
The Nairobi and Luanda processes, previously led by EAC and AU respectively, have now been integrated to avoid duplication and strengthen continental leadership. Leaders endorsed a framework for this merger, including a panel of facilitators reporting to the AU and joint summits. This move comes amid calls for de-escalation, with incentives for conflict parties to withdraw from frontlines and establish demilitarised zones. Substantive progress is expected as the new structures collaborate on ceasefires, disarmament, and political dialogue.
This unified approach addresses criticisms of fragmented interventions, where overlapping mandates from EAC, SADC, and AU have sometimes led to inefficiencies. For instance, EAC’s force withdrew in 2023 after accusations of bias, paving the way for SAMIDRC. The merger aims to streamline talks, involving key players like Rwanda, accused of backing M23, and the DRC government, to foster lasting stability.
Addressing Mozambique’s Political and Security Situation
The ministerial meeting also delved into the political and security landscape in Mozambique, where post-election violence following the October 2024 polls has escalated into a national crisis. Protests over disputed results, where Frelimo claimed victory amid fraud allegations, have led to deadly clashes, displacing thousands and straining resources. SADC has been monitoring the situation closely, with calls for dialogue and restraint to prevent further instability.
Mozambique’s challenges include ongoing insurgency in Cabo Delgado, where Islamic State-linked militants continue attacks despite international support. The bloc’s earlier SAMIM mission ended in 2024, but residual threats persist, affecting gas projects and regional trade. Ministers discussed ways to support Mozambique’s government in restoring order, emphasising preventive diplomacy to avoid spillover effects into neighbouring countries like South Africa and Tanzania.
Resolving the DRC-Zambia Border Dispute
Another key issue was the resolution of the DRC-Zambia border matter, which has seen positive steps in 2025. Tensions flared in 2024 when Zambia closed the border over trade disputes, but talks led to reopening and agreements on a cross-border special economic zone for battery and electric vehicle production. SADC facilitated inter-ministerial meetings to address congestion at posts like Kasumbalesa, improving trade flows vital for copper exports.
The bloc’s efforts include virtual task force meetings in April 2025 to tackle persistent issues like delays and corruption, ensuring smoother regional integration.
Focus on Elections and SEOM Recommendations in the Region
Magosi turned attention to elections in SADC, urging member states to implement recommendations from SADC Electoral Observation Missions. While perfection in electoral systems is aspirational, continuous improvements are essential for credible democracies. SEOMs have observed polls in countries like Mauritius, Namibia, and Botswana in 2024-2025, providing insights on voter registration, media access, and dispute resolution.
The executive secretary called for systematic implementation of these suggestions, with support mechanisms to ensure accountability. This comes amid controversies in some elections, like Mozambique’s, where SEOM reports highlighted irregularities, reinforcing the need for stronger frameworks.
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