Southern African leaders 'terminate' mandate of peacekeepers in eastern DRC
Harare, Zimbabwe (PANA) - Southern African leaders have decided to end their participation of their peacekeeping forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the Rwandan-backed M23 forces continue to capture more territory.
A communique issued after their virtual extraordinary summit on Thursday said the leaders “terminated” the Mandate of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and "directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from the DRC”.
The communique said the leaders received the latest updates on the security situation in the eastern DRC and considered the report of the SAMIDRC Mandate from the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit, which was held on 6 March 2025.
At least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania have been killed as the war rages and the summit expressed its deepest condolences to the three countries and DRC, and to the families of soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The communique said the summit noted with “grave concern" the continued deterioration of the security situation in the eastern DRC, including the capturing of the two biggest cities, Goma and Bukavu, and the “blockage of the main supply routes, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to flow”.
It commended the troops for their “selfless act, unity, diligence resiliency” shown since the beginning of the mission.
The leaders called for the protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, stop attacks on civilian infrastructure, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.
The summit also noted the increasing humanitarian needs in the DRC and called on the international community, including the United Nations, and the African Union, to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of the DRC.
The summit emphasised its dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC and reaffirmed its commitment to support interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the eastern DRC, in line with the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security and development.
“The Summit reiterated the need for a political and diplomatic solution with all parties including state, non-state parties, military and non-military in the Eastern DRC for the restoration of peace, security and tranquillity in the country.”
It further reiterated the decision from the joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to merge the Luanda and Nairobi Process and inclusion of more facilitators to enhance the peace-building process.
-0- PANA MA 14March2025
