SAMIDRC Stresses Humanitarian Coordination in DRC Operations
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), deployed on December 15th, 2023, continues to prioritize humanitarian coordination as it supports the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the eastern region of the country.
Upholding human rights and adhering to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), SAMIDRC operates under stringent Rules of Engagement (ROE) as issued by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics and Security Cooperation.
In line with its commitment to humanitarian principles, SAMIDRC ensures that its troops are well-versed in IHL and LOAC before, during, and after deployment. Senior leadership within SAMIDRC emphasizes continuous training and strict compliance with these laws throughout their operations.
This comprehensive approach is crucial for maintaining the mission’s mandate to protect civilians and their properties from imminent threats posed by negative forces and illegal armed groups.
A key element of SAMIDRC’s strategy is its robust humanitarian coordination framework. By collaborating with various national and international humanitarian stakeholders, SAMIDRC enhances the effectiveness and impact of collective efforts in the DRC.
This coordination ensures the implementation of common standards and approaches, prioritizes the most urgent needs, identifies gaps in humanitarian response, and promotes accountability.
The Civil-Military Relations (CIMIC) structure within SAMIDRC plays a pivotal role in facilitating these efforts. CIMIC links SAMIDRC with civilian actors and humanitarian organizations operating in the DRC, fostering strong relations and ensuring the smooth execution of civil-military operations.
This collaboration is vital for providing assistance to civilian communities and supporting the overall mission.
Humanitarian coordination also mitigates the risk of duplicative efforts and potential harm that could arise from uncoordinated actions. By ensuring a unified approach, SAMIDRC can better protect civilians and uphold human rights standards, minimizing civilian casualties and enhancing the mission’s overall effectiveness.
The humanitarian facet of SAMIDRC’s mandate is central to its operations. By focusing on the protection of civilians and their properties under imminent threat, SAMIDRC underscores the importance of humanitarian principles in conflict zones.
This approach not only improves the security situation but also fosters trust and cooperation among the local population and international partners.
Source: SADC
