SADC leaders meet, condemn violations of 2024 ceasefire agreement, call for restoration of peace in DRC

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State have expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for immediate restoration of essential services and supply lines.

The leaders met in Harare, Zimbabwe, on January 31, 2025, for an urgent SADC Summit to deliberate on the deteriorating situation in the eastern DRC, where attacks by M23 rebels continue to escalate.

The Summit strongly condemned the attacks on SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops, describing them as a violation of the July 30, 2024, ceasefire brokered under the Luanda Process.

The leaders warned that such hostilities undermine both DRC’s security and regional stability.

Recalling its May 2023 decision to deploy a peacekeeping force to support DRC’s territorial integrity, the Summit acknowledged that the mission’s objectives remain unfulfilled.

SADC reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, backing the Luanda Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço and the Nairobi Process led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

To ensure troop safety, the Summit called for the immediate dispatch of defence ministers, military chiefs, and representatives of troop-contributing countries to the DRC.

It also directed the swift repatriation of deceased and injured troops.

Additionally, SADC urged an emergency joint Summit with the East African Community (EAC), following the EAC’s 24th Extraordinary Summit on January 29, 2025, to coordinate a unified response.

The SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation was tasked with engaging both state and non-state actors to enforce a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid for affected communities.

The Summit urged political and diplomatic leaders involved in the conflict to intensify dialogue and coordinate efforts with MONUSCO, the Luanda Process, and other peace initiatives to restore stability.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the DRC, SADC pledged continued support for the country’s sovereignty, peace, and development.

The leaders also expressed appreciation for SAMIDRC troops and commended Madagascar for pledging medical assistance to the injured and displaced in eastern DRC.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.