DODOMA: GRAVE calamity facing the Eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo heralded the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that began in Dodoma today.
Eastern Congo has seen many disastrous events that caused great loss, sufferings, and lasting distress, a situation that forces a strong reaction from SADC’s heads of state.
The SADC Summit also terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC.
Tanzania President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted the summit, which was officially chaired by Zimbabwe President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa as the Chairperson of SADC, was attended by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina.
Also attending the summit are President Mr. Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique, Namibian Head of State Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, and South African President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa.
Also present are Zambia President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Eswatini Prime Minister, Mr. Russel Dlamini, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Nancy Gladys Tembo, Mauritius Foreign Affairs and Regional Intergration, Mr. Dhananjay Ramful, Angola’s Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Manuel Homem and Seychelles’ High Commissioner to South Africa Mr. Claude Morel.
During the Summit, the heads of the states received the latest updates on the security situation in the Eastern Congo and considered the report on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) Mandate from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held on March 6th this year.
During the Summit, the Heads of States expressed their deepest condolences to the DR Congo, the Republics of South Africa and Malawi, and the United Republic of Tanzania, and to the families of the deceased soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Summit also noted with grave concern the continued deterioration of the security situation in the Eastern DRC, including the capturing of Goma and Bukavu, and the blockage of the main supply routes, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to flow.
The heads of the states commended the troops for their selfless act, unity, diligence, and resiliency shown since the beginning of the mission.
The SADC leaders called for the protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, stop attacks on civilians’ infrastructure, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.
During the extraordinary Summit, the SADC leaders noted the increasing humanitarian needs in the DRC and called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of the DRC.
The Summit terminated the Mandate of SAMIDRC and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC. Summit emphasised its dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirmed its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the Eastern DRC, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
SADC Summit reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security, and development.
The SADC leaders reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the Eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquillity in the country.
The SADC Summit further reiterated the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Process and include more facilitators to enhance the peace-building process.
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The SADC Summit has welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 2773 Resolution which gives guidance for a long lasting solution while supporting the regional efforts by the AU, East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and SADC, in convening high-level meetings and the efforts under Luanda and Nairobi mediation processes, as well as the efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC.
Summit acknowledged the expression of gratitude from President Félix Tshisekedi for SADC’s continued support to address the security challenges facing the DRC and President Samia and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ, for her leadership and spearheading regional peace and security matters in the SADC region.
