Southern African leaders condemn violence in Eastern DRC at emergency summit in Harare
During an extraordinary summit in Harare, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Southern African leaders strongly condemned the recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attacks, carried out by the M23 rebel group and Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), have targeted Congolese government forces, the SADC mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), and civilians, raising serious regional concerns.
Meeting in an urgent session, heads of state and government—joined by key ministers—expressed solidarity with the DRC and extended condolences to Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, whose troops lost their lives in recent clashes in Sake, eastern DRC.
The summit also wished a swift recovery to the wounded and stressed the critical need to restore essential services—including water, electricity, communication, and food supply lines, which have been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict.
In their final communiqué, the leaders denounced the attacks as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire established under the Luanda process on July 30, 2024. To address the situation, they adopted a series of concrete measures.
Defense ministers and military chiefs will be immediately deployed to bolster the security of SAMIDRC forces, while a joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) is planned to enhance regional coordination.
Additionally, the SADC Troika has been tasked with engaging all parties in a process to end hostilities. The leaders reaffirmed their support for ongoing peace efforts, including the Luanda process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, and the Nairobi process, overseen by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
They also commended Madagascar for its humanitarian assistance to the injured and displaced.
The summit concluded with a powerful message of solidarity with the DRC, emphasizing the importance of upholding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The leaders also congratulated Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on his election, underlining the region’s commitment to cooperation and unity in the face of security challenges.
Gilbert FOTSO
