The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an Extraordinary Summit in Luanda, Angola, to address pressing issues related to peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summit was presided over by João Lourenço, the President of Angola and the current SADC President. The leaders discussed strategies to ensure sustainable economic growth in the DRC and the successful holding of elections in the coming December.
During the summit, President João Lourenço emphasized the need to find lasting solutions for peace in the DRC, not only to facilitate the upcoming elections but also to foster long-term stability and economic development in the region. The heads of state and government attending the summit expressed their unwavering commitment to peace, security, and development in the SADC region.
In a final communiqué, the participants extended their appreciation to President João Lourenço for successfully hosting the Extraordinary Summit. The summit was attended by leaders from various SADC member states, including Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, among others.
SADC Summit Issues “Strategic Guidelines” for Peace in the DRC
The extraordinary SADC Summit in Luanda resulted in the issuance of “strategic guidelines” for the deployment of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIRDC). These guidelines aim to restore peace and security in the DRC, responding to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the country.
Reports of attacks and territorial occupation by the M23 armed group in violation of the ceasefire prompted the SADC leaders to take action. They mandated President João Lourenço, acting President of the regional organization, to intensify diplomatic efforts between the DRC and Rwanda, with the goal of achieving lasting peace in the DRC.
The summit also emphasized the need for SADC to mobilize resources to promote peace and security in the region. This includes discussions to establish and operationalize the SADC Peace Fund with the participation of international cooperation partners. Efforts to contribute additional resources for the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC were commended, and the leaders praised President João Lourenço’s role as the African Union Champion of Peace and Reconciliation in seeking peace in eastern DRC.
Updates on Elections and Reform in Member States
The SADC Summit received updates on elections held in member states, including a report from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission on the harmonized elections in Zimbabwe and the general elections in the Kingdom of e-Swatini. The leaders wished Madagascar and the DRC success in their upcoming elections, expressing SADC’s support through the deployment of the regional organization’s Electoral Observation Mission.
Additionally, the summit stressed the urgency of political parties with seats in the National Assembly of Lesotho to work towards implementing reforms, emphasizing the importance of political, economic stability, and national security.
Recognition of Leadership in Maintaining Peace and Security
The Extraordinary Luanda Summit also recognized the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Zambia and the President of the SADC Political, Defense, and Security Cooperation Body, for his role in maintaining lasting peace and security in the region.
Source: BNN Breaking