SADC to intensify DRC peace efforts SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa is joined by fellow leaders for a photo session yesterday

Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau

SADC stands ready to intensify efforts to protect its citizens from all forms of instability, and ensure lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the regional bloc’s Chairman, President Mnangagwa, has said.

In the aftermath of the DRC instability, which has displaced millions and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, including peacekeeping forces and civilians, SADC Heads of State and Government yesterday converged in Harare for an Extraordinary Summit to tackle the deteriorating situation in DRC.

Among those in attendance were Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), Duma Boko (Botswana), and Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar) while Felix Tshisekedi (DRC) and Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia) attended virtually.

Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane was also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, President Mnangagwa said regional peace and security was a shared responsibility hence all member states should join hands in ensuring lasting peace in the Eastern DRC. More, he said, must be done to alleviate the situation, which recently claimed 16 soldiers from South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Malawi, who form part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

Among those peacekeeping forces are soldiers from the UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO).
President Mnangagwa noted with regret that since an Extraordinary Summit that was held in Harare in November last year, “very little progress has been made in our search for lasting peace in the Eastern DRC, which is now characterised by escalating hostilities and conflict”.

“This culminated in the unfortunate and atrocious attacks carried out on our Mission in Goma, that claimed the lives of several SAMIDRC and MONUSCO peacekeepers, while others sustained serious injuries.

“The people of the eastern DRC have suffered for far too long. SADC condemns in the strongest terms the attacks by aggressor forces. While we pause to mourn our loss, our resolve to ensure collective security cannot be shaken,” he said.

SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa

President Mnangagwa said it was important that dialogue and peace building are boldly pursued to achieve the intended result of peace “for the benefit of the people of the Eastern DRC”.

“To this end, our region stands ready to intensify efforts to protect the SADC citizens from all forms of instability, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact. The peace and security of our region is a shared obligation.

“Our political-will must be strengthened towards a concrete and actionable roadmap that will help accelerate the realisation of peace in the Eastern DRC,” he said.

“May we, as Member States, continue to do all we can to support our gallant men and women in the theatre of operations, and ensure that SAMIDRC achieves its important objective.”

The SADC Chairman said the plight of millions of internally displaced populations “cannot and should not be ignored”.
“As we deliberate on our firm and united response, let us not overlook the humanitarian crises stemming from the prevailing armed conflict in Eastern DRC.

“SADC appreciates the support rendered by International Co-operating Partners, in response to the critical needs of the displaced populations,” he said.

President Mnangagwa conveyed the regional bloc’s condolences to Member States and families who lost their loved ones in service.

“On behalf of SADC, the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Member States and families of the brave men and women who lost their lives in the service of the people of DRC, the SADC region and indeed the cause of continental and world peace.

“Our condolences also extend to the families of the non-combatant victims who have lost their lives as a result of this conflict. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.

President Mnangagwa commended the Heads of State for showing up at the meeting at short notice.
He also lauded the SADC Troika for convening to deliberate on the security situation in the DRC before the Extraordinary Summit.

“I thank you all for taking time to attend this meeting, which was convened on short notice. We meet today, to seek lasting solutions to the challenges faced in the Eastern DRC. I commend the contributions made by fellow Member States and the SADC Secretariat in ensuring our collective security.

“I wish to thank the Chairperson of the SADC Troika, Her Excellency, President Samia Hassan and the other members of the Troika as well as Troop Contributing Countries for having convened in Dar es Salaam to deliberate on this very important matter,” he said.

The SADC Chair welcomed the recently inaugurated Mozambique’s President Chapo, who was attending the regional bloc gathering for the first time since assuming office.

“I extend a special revolutionary welcome to His Excellency, Cde Daniel Francisco Chapo, the President of the Republic of Mozambique.

“As a region, we look forward to working with him in enhancing regional peace, security and integration as well as our collective development agenda,” he said.

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