Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to hold an extraordinary summit on Thursday, March 13, to deliberate on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DR Congo. The meeting, which will be chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to bring together heads of state and government in a bid to address ongoing conflicts in the region.
According to a statement from the SADC secretariat, the summit will assess security developments in DR Congo and review recommendations from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit held on March 6. This high-level meeting, chaired by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, convened defense and security officials from SADC member states involved in peacekeeping efforts.
The escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo have long been a regional concern, with rebel groups maintaining strongholds in several areas. The meeting on March 6 followed earlier discussions held on February 24 and February 28, where defense chiefs and government ministers weighed in on the security crisis and potential resolutions.
One of the critical issues expected to dominate Thursday’s summit is the phased withdrawal of troops currently stationed in the embattled region. Reports indicate that while the withdrawal strategy has been proposed, the exact timeline and logistics remain unclear. The SADC Secretariat has confirmed that a report from the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security will be presented to provide further clarity on the matter.
Notably, Malawi recently announced its decision to withdraw its forces from DR Congo, a move that underscores growing uncertainty surrounding SADC’s military engagement in the country. The SADC Mission in DR Congo (SAMIDRC), which comprises troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, has faced significant challenges, particularly in rebel-controlled areas where their movements are restricted.
The M23 rebel group, one of the dominant armed factions in the region, claims to be fighting against corruption, tribalism, and human rights violations within DR Congo’s military. Despite peacekeeping efforts, the conflict remains unresolved, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current interventions.
As SADC leaders prepare for Thursday’s summit, the stakes are high. The outcome of the meeting could determine the next course of action in eastern DR Congo, shaping the region’s approach to security, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.
