In a significant diplomatic effort, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will spearhead a high-level delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Tanzania for an extraordinary joint summit with the East African Community (EAC). This crucial meeting, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), comes in the wake of a recent SADC Extraordinary Summit held in Harare.
The DRC, which is a member of both SADC and EAC, has raised serious concerns regarding alleged support from Rwanda, another EAC member, for the M23 rebel group and various armed factions wreaking havoc in its eastern regions. The conflict has led to devastating consequences, including thousands of lives lost and millions displaced from their homes.
Mr. George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, confirmed that President Mnangagwa will co-chair the summit alongside Kenyan President William Ruto, the EAC leader. Charamba emphasised President Mnangagwa’s pivotal role as a mediator, citing his established relationships with both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The delegation will also include members of the SADC Double Troika, which comprises the regional chairperson, the outgoing and incoming chairs, and the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, currently at the helm of the SADC security organ, is expected to play a vital role in the discussions.
Since its deployment in December 2023, the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which includes troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, has been assisting the Congolese government in restoring stability. However, renewed tensions have emerged following intense clashes between rebel factions and government forces, resulting in approximately 900 civilian casualties and widespread displacement. In a stern warning, South Africa has stated that any further attacks on its troops would be considered an act of war, while President Kagame has accused South Africa of engaging in combat operations that favor the Congolese government, complicating regional dynamics.
The upcoming summit is poised to facilitate direct dialogue between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame, with SADC and EAC leaders mediating discussions. This meeting is expected to bolster ongoing diplomatic initiatives, such as the Luanda Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço, which has faced challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire. Additionally, last week’s resolution by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council condemned the violence and urged all parties to adhere to existing peace agreements.
SADC leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to the sovereignty and stability of the DRC, recognizing the urgent need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities. The summit represents a critical opportunity for regional leaders to unite in pursuit of peace and stability in the DRC.
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