SADC Summit Addresses DRC Security and Humanitarian Crisis

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Luanda, Angola, presided over by His Excellency Mr. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola. 

The Summit focused on addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During the Summit, the leaders expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the DRC and provided strategic guidance on the deployment of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) with the aim of restoring peace and security in the country. 

This mission is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the DRC, which has been plagued by conflict and instability.

The Summit urged SADC member states to expedite the mobilization of resources to facilitate peace and security in the region. 

This includes reviving discussions to establish and operationalize the SADC Peace Fund and engaging with international partners to address the complex challenges in the region.

In addition to discussions about the DRC, the Summit received updates on elections in SADC member states. 

The leaders took note of the report on the SADC Elections in the Republic of Zimbabwe, which took place in August 2023, as well as the General Elections in the Kingdom of Eswatini in September 2023.

The Extraordinary Summit praised His Excellency President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço of Angola for hosting a successful gathering of the SADC Heads of State and Government.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who attended the Summit, expressed the importance of peace and the need to resolve conflicts peacefully. 

Following the successful conclusion of the Summit, President Hichilema safely returned to Lusaka, Zambia, and thanked the citizens for their continued support and prayers.

President Hichilema emphasized the global need for peace and stability, highlighting that instability in one region can have far-reaching consequences. 

He called for peaceful means to resolve misunderstandings and conflicts and expressed gratitude for the support of the Zambian people.

The Summit’s discussions and resolutions mark an important step in addressing the security and humanitarian challenges in the DRC and promoting peace and stability in the SADC region.