SOUTHERN Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and government have strongly condemned escalating hostilities in eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Elias Magosi, the SADC executive secretary, said at a briefing that the leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to collective security and regional peace.

They convened an extraordinary summit in the Zimbabwe capital of Harare yesterday to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and growing insecurity in the wake of intensification of military advances in the region.

Host President Emmerson Mnangagwa who also chairs SADC, in his opening remarks stressed the urgent need for intensified peace building efforts and dialogue to resolve the crisis. 

He reaffirmed the community’s dedication to regional peace and security, pledging to redouble efforts to protect civilians caught up in worsening instability, in accordance with the SADC mutual defence pact.

He underscored the importance of strengthening political will across the region, to create a clear, actionable roadmap to accelerate peace initiatives in eastern DRC. 

Acknowledging the valuable support of international partners, he insisted that much more needs to be done to alleviate the suffering of displaced populations in the region.

“The crisis in the eastern territory, arising from persistent armed conflict, cannot be ignored. The people of this region have suffered for far too long,” he stated, pointing at the urgency of the situation.

Heads of State from several SADC member countries attended, expressing unwavering solidarity with the people of eastern DRC, seeking to find lasting solutions to the ongoing violence.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who chairs the SADC organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, was similarly in attendance, while DRC President Etienne Tshisekedi attended the meeting virtually.

The summit was meant to devise a comprehensive peace strategy, leveraging regional cooperation and international support to restore lasting peace and stability in the troubled region, the secretariat chief intoned

Given the gravity of the security situation in eastern DRC, the summit was convened to reassess collective response to the emerging situation, he said.

“The discussions at this summit reaffirm SADC’s unwavering commitment to supporting the DRC and ensuring long-term stability in the region,” he stated.

“I am confident that the decisions made here will reflect our continued solidarity with the people of the DRC and our broader mission to enhance security and stability across both the region and the continent.”

“Our region has long been known for its peaceful coexistence and resilience. It remains a beacon of hope for the people of SADC and Africa at large, especially in a world where many continue to endure the devastating effects of conflict and instability.”

SADC countries are committed to regional peace, unity and development, where the DRC people and the entire region can look forward to a future of peace, security and prosperity, he added.