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THE continental bloc, African Union (AU), has commended the gallantry of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) for their efforts in maintaining peace and security in eastern DRC.

In a communique issued after a meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU at its 1256th Emergency Ministerial meeting held on 28 January 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the recent developments in eastern DRC, the continental bloc also praised the efforts of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) troops for fending off rebel groups terrorising citizens.

The continental bloc expressed grave concern over the increased tensions in eastern DRC and urged Rwanda and DRC to prioritise peaceful means of addressing challenges being faced.

The meeting commended Angolan President Joao Laurenco’s mediation efforts as the chair of International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation for facilitating dialogue between DRC and Rwanda and urged the two parties to continue extending cooperation and collaboration.

AU said it, “Strongly condemns the heinous attacks by the M23, which resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and displacement especially of women and children, and warns those concerned will be held accountable for their actions.”

The continental body further condemned activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which have been accused of worsening the insecurity and suffering of eastern DRC population.

The AU further reiterated SADC’s position that all foreign armed and terrorists’ groups operating in the DRC immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Minova, Sake and Goma and all other occupied areas.

SADC is scheduled to hold an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare to deliberate on the escalating security situation in DRC. On Monday, SADC chairperson, President Mnangagwa said the regional bloc will take full responsibility for the situation in the DRC.

The East African Community (EAC), of which DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan and Somalia are members held its own Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government where it noted SADCs efforts in bringing peace in the DRC. The summit recommended a joint EAC-SADC summit to deliberate on the way forward.