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President Mnangagwa, who is also the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has rallied the people of the region to unite and take decisive action against emerging threats that could undermine the bloc’s hard-won independence and stability.

In his address to mark the commemoration of the Southern Africa Liberation Day, which is celebrated annually on March 23, President Mnangagwa called on the region to intensify efforts to promote peace and dialogue, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where escalating tensions pose a significant threat to regional stability.

“As we commemorate this annual event, we deeply reflect on where we stand in the context of our historical struggles whose aim was to give full ownership of the means of production in our economies and, consequently to be masters of our own destiny as well as to restore our dignity,” said the President.

“I urge us all, as independent peoples of SADC, to remain vigilant and be alert to the emerging challenges that threaten our hard-won independence and the general stability in our region.

“We must continue to stand in solidarity against the imposition of illegal sanctions, use of coercive measures and or any other actions that undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

President Mnangagwa warned that continued instability in eastern DRC contradicts the vision of SADC’s founding fathers and threatens the objectives outlined in the bloc’s founding statutes.

“SADC remains a relatively calm and peaceful region,” he said.

“For this, we are proud.

“However, I reiterate our call for lasting peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The situation in eastern DRC undermines the aspirations bequeathed to us by our founding fathers and outlined in the SADC Constitutive Act and Vision 2050.

“The time to silence the guns, de-escalate tensions and hostilities as well as to engage in dialogue to secure mediated outcomes for long-lasting peace in DRC is now.”

He also urged SADC to remain steadfast in defending its sovereignty, condemning illegal sanctions and coercive measures that seek to undermine the independence and territorial integrity of Member States.

The President also reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, which remains under Moroccan control, saying Africa cannot claim full liberation until Western Sahara is free and independent.