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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa, who is also chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strongly condemned the cowardly attacks on United Nations and SADC peacekeepers by M23 armed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Recent hostilities in the region have killed thousands, with millions fleeing their homes. In a statement on Monday, President Mnangagwa said the regional bloc will assume its full responsibility and take action to deal with the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC.

Those responsible for the situation should be held accountable, he said.

“The Chairman of SADC, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa expresses grave concern on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern DRC occasioned by the offensive operations of the M23 rebels.

“The Chairman condemns, unreservedly, the cowardly attacks on the UN and SADC peacekeepers that have resulted in some of them paying the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace in the Eastern DRC,” reads part of the statement.

President Mnangagwa has also conveyed his condolences to the victims.

“The Chairman of SADC presents his condolences to the families of the deceased peace keepers and wishes those injured, a quick recovery,” reads the statement.
Both SADC and the African Union have issued statements denouncing the aggression by the rebel group.

In a statement at the weekend, the SADC Secretariat expressed concern at the recent attack on the SADC Force, the SAMIDRC, by the M23 armed group.
“SADC unequivocally condemns this act of aggression by the M23 operating in the Eastern DRC, such actions undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region,” reads the statement.