SADC Mission in the DRC Denounces False Reports on Operations
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) has strongly refuted false and misleading online media articles regarding its operations in the Eastern DRC.
In a statement released by the SADC Secretariat, SAMIDRC dismissed misinformation and disinformation surrounding its military activities in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Mission clarified that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed to the DRC are operating under the mandate of SAMIDRC, as approved by an Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in May 2023.
The deployment of SAMIDRC was sanctioned as a regional response to address the unstable security situation prevailing in the Eastern DRC. As part of the mission, a SADC regional force comprising troops from Malawi, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, and elements of the DRC Armed Forces are collaborating with the Forces armées de la république démocratique du Congo (FARDC) to combat armed groups in the region.
SAMIDRC emphasized that the situation on the ground is normal, and the Mission continues with its routine operational schedules. Any developments regarding the Mission and the safety of troops will be communicated through official SADC channels.
The Mission reiterated its commitment to carrying out its mandate in line with the principle of collective self-defence and collective action outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact (2003).
For general enquiries, Brigadier Molatlhegi M. Ntelamo, Head of Planning Element at the SADC Secretariat, and Brigadier General Desmond Chawanda, Chief of Staff at SAMIDRC, can be contacted.
SADC, established in 1980, aims to promote sustainable economic growth, socio-economic development, good governance, and durable peace and security across its 16 Member States. Member States include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and others.
The statement was issued by the SADC Secretariat on the 4th of April, 2024, in Gaborone, Botswana. For media enquiries, Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communication and Public Relations at the SADC Secretariat, can be contacted.
